One of my favorite tea book authors is Jane Pettigrew. I’ve been enjoying several of her books for a while now including, Tea & Infusions, Tea-time Recipes and the classic Tea Companion – A Connoisseur’s Guide. So I did find it hard to resist purchasing Afternoon Tea.
There is always something new to be learned from Ms. Pettigrew’s writing, but what I love is her use of unusual photographs, advertising memorabilia and images of classic paintings. Have you ever wondered what Catherine of Braganza (introduced tea to the court of Charles II in 1662) looked like?
This illustrates the chapter called “everything stops for tea”.
Who could forget Anna Maria, 7th Duchess of Bedford. I can’t thank her enough for establishing the custom of afternoon tea.
There is a chapter on “the tea dance”. I’ve always enjoyed seeing the tango, but it seems hard to picture this sensuous dance combined with afternoon tea.
I had to show you this fabulous crinoline-lady tea cozy. Have you ever seen anything like it?
This book offers information on the history of tea, preparation of tea, teatime recipes, tea ware, tea parties and much more. There is even a “milk in first?” chapter.
I’m so glad that I decided to add “Afternoon Tea” to my tea library.
10 comments:
I am sure I have that book, but don't seem to be able to find it. My husband says I have too many tea books, maybe he is right. Oh my goodness, they all fell down the other day (the shelf broke). Does that mean too many books? There is always room somewhere for one more.
What a lovely book and very informative too. I've never seen such a beautiful tea cozy.
There's nothing like cozening up to a cup of tea and a good tea book at this time of year.
I'll definitely be looking for these books.
Sweet wishes,
Sara
This isn't about your post... but I'm not sure how else to reach you. You had left me a question on my blog, but I'm not able to reply to you... you show up as a 'no-reply'. To fix it, sign in to Blogger, click Edit Profile (from your Dashboard), put a check on 'Show my email address', enter your email address in the 'Email address' spot, then click Save Profile. That's it! I'll watch for the change. Take care.
That is one nifty book. I'd buy it for the cover alone. But the illustrations are wonderful. I,too, love Jane and have several of her books.
This is one of my absolute favorite tea books!
Darling what an informative post thanks for sharing the books with us. I love the cover photo, it made me so hungry. This was a great post to wake up to, a delight. I must say though, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford looks sort of plump, she must have put many afternoon goodies away!! My dear friend, I hope you had a wonderful time ringing in the New Year and that 2010 turns out to be the best year of your life, followed by many more.
Love & Hugs
Duchess
I have never red her books, but you certainly have inspired me to look for them- I love the cover on this one too. Looks like you could just stick a fork right into that cake!
I love what Marilyn said about her bookshelf falling- sometimes I think my house will cave in from all my cook books! LOL!!!
I've been debating about whether to get this one...looks like I'm swayed!
Yikes! For some reason my blog list has not indicated you've had a new blog post in the last week or so. Today I thought, "Well, I am just going to check anyway," and you've had two! Thanks for showing the photos because now I'm convinced I *must* have this book! I love Jane Pettigrew anyway, but it sounds like this book is really unique and I love the photos. Thank you!
Very interesting! I think I'll have to get this book--thanks!
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