For the first time, a discussion of tea's transcendental nature and reasons given as to why we keep returning to this Queen of the Camellia's, that offers us a few moments of respite in a world gone mad. Myths about tea are debunked while practical information given, including history, characteristics, and properties of the six classical tea categories: white, yellow, green, oolong, black (or red in China) and Pu-erh. Murphy also explores heretofore unknown vistas of tea: · controversial aspects of tea's intrinsic qualities · myths about tea · new qualities of tea · practical information · history and characteristics.   This fascinating, detailed narrative is informative, philosophical and ground-breaking.