The Book of Tea discusses the impact of "Teaism" on all aspects of Japanese culture and life. Kakuzō elaborates on the relationship between the tea ceremony, Zen, and Taoism. He also talks about the tea masters and their contribution to the tea ceremony.

Kakuzō, a Japanese philosopher, art expert, and curator, was insightful and witty—greatly responsible for bridging Western and Eastern cultures. Having been taught English from an early age, he made his writings accessible to the Western mind.

In The Book of Tea, he discusses topics such as Zen and Taoism, but also the secular aspects of tea and Japanese life, emphasizing how Teaism taught the Japanese many things, most importantly, simplicity. Kakuzō argues that tea-induced simplicity affected the culture, art, and architecture of Japan.

Interwoven with a rich history of Japanese tea and its place in Japanese society, this book includes poignant commentary on Asian culture and our ongoing fascination with it, as well as illuminating essays on art, spirituality, poetry, and more. A delightful cup of enlightenment from a man far ahead of his time.