HURRICANE IRENE ADVICE

"Korean Tea Classics" Online Book Club Proposal: Discussion of Original Texts That Reflect The Historical Depth of Both Korean & Chinese Tea Culture


There is a general lack of English translated tea classics, the ones that do get translated often are done so with good intentions but are often rather crude. Even more so, is the lack of Korean tea information in English. A recently released book "Korean Tea Classics" rectifies both of these issues.

It offers both the original text of Traditional Chinese characters along side a very eloquent English translation. The English translation contains a plethora of footnotes that add depth to the translation.

The strength of this translation lies in its three translators: Brother Anthony of Taize- the English authority on Korean tea; Hong Kyeong-Hee, a Korean National with deep knowledge of Korean tea; and Steven D. Owyoung who specializes in Chinese tea history and who is currently preparing a translation of Lu Yu's Chajing the Classic of Tea.

"Korean Tea Classics" contains the translations of three works by two historic teamsters. Both of the Korean Tea Masters spent sometime studying tea culture in China and both reverence it heavily, especially Lu Yu's Chajing. Due to the many historical references of Chinese tea culture and the Chinese text that is included, this book is important not only for those who wish to gain insight into Korea tea culture but also those who also are interested in Chinese tea culture. It is a great book for both beginner and expert.

Tea books like this are few and far between and are worthy of some special attention...

So one proposes to start an "Online Tea Book Club" which will be posted on Matcha's Blog weekly. It would look at this book section by section, covering one section (one or two pages) per week- allowing much time for deep reflection. One will post a quote from each section and a discussion on that section would follow in the comments. Anyone can join in or opt out at anytime during the duration of the "book club".

Both translators of this book, Brother Anthony of Taize and Steven D. Owyoung, have agreed to stop in once and while and add some depth to the discussion. Making this a truly unique experience.

Those interested simply need to buy the book "Korean Tea Classics" ISBN: 978-89-91913-66-0 from the Seoul Selection bookshop to follow along.

Seoul Selection agreed to offer a special deal to those who wish to participate in this "Online Book Club". They will offer a 15% discount for the purchase of a package of both of their Korean tea books: "Korean Tea Classics" ISBN: 978-89-91913-66-0 & "The Korea Way Of Tea" ISBN: 978-89-91913-17-2 by Brother Anthony of Taize and Hong Kyeong-Hee. This is a great deal on two great Korean tea books for around $25 USD plus shipping- if you are getting one book shipped, why not thrown in another? One recommends the cheapest shipping method (Arimail I) as one received the books in under a week- no problems. If you are interested in this promotional discount please email Fran at fran@seoulselection.com and let her know that you want the Korean tea book club discount and state the shipping method you prefer and she will send you a special invoice.

Please comment if you are interested in participating just to get an idea of numbers.

One hopes to start the first "Korea Tea Classics Online Book Club" post on Mattcha's Blog in about a months time which should give those interested enough time to scrape together some change and get their orders.


See these posts on Cha Dao for a sneak peak at the depth included in the three historic tea verses covered in "Korean Tea Classics":







Peace

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