The Book of Tea

Kakuzo Okakura

⏱ 8 minWorld literature

A cup of tea, whisked in a bare straw hut, becomes a whole philosophy of beauty, simplicity, and the worship of the imperfect. Okakura's serene 1906 classic on the tea-ceremony as an art of life — ending with the master Rikiu, who breaks his bowl and dies with a smile.

Listen to the whole of The Book of Tea in about 8 minutes — professionally narrated, with Apple-Music-style synced subtitles. One book free every day; Folio Premium unlocks the entire library.