Originally written a century ago, by the son of a samurai family who became an assistant curator to the Chinese and Japanese Department of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, The Book Of Tea is more than an introduction to the Japanese art and practice of the tea ceremony - it has served as a seminal bridge to Asian life and thought in English and a work of cultural bridge-building. The Book Of Tea was in fact written in English, in order to prove accessible to English-speakers, and presents chanoyu (literally "the way of tea") as a spiritual culture and a ritual that interlaces with the "Art of Life" itself. A handful of black-and-white illustrations intersperse the methodical, philosophical, and spiritual discussions of all aspects of the tea ceremony. The Book Of Tea is very highly recommended especially for students of Japanese culture and arts.

This a great compact book that deals beautifully with tea and its history and setting. You'll feel as though you are listening to Kakuzo Okakura personally. As I read it, I could feel the presence of a smile on his face.
Not deep. Not complex. Compact and enjoyable. A great intro to tea all around.