It is entirely possible that many of you already know Tea with Jane Austen as it was a favourite with book bloggers when it came out. That wasn’t exactly yesterday but in 2011. This edition, that is. The original was published in 2004.
Tea with Jane Austen is a delightful and informative book that will charm Jane Austen and tea lovers alike. As the introduction states:
The book examines the role tea played in everyday life for Jane Austen (1775 – 1817) and her characters. Illustrated with extracts from her novels, her letters, and the writings of her contemporaries, each chapter looks at tea in a different context, from taking tea at various times of day to its function in particular aspects of their lives. I also include some recipes of the time, along with adaptations for the modern cook, for tasty fare that was served with tea.
I like that we learn a lot about Austen’s life and the history and importance of tea at the time. The extracts from the letters and the quotes from the books really transport you back in time.
It’s an ideal companion to read alongside the novels, an excellent introduction to her life and work, or a nice way to remember those we’ve already read. But it can also be used to recreate a breakfast, afternoon, or evening tea à la Jane Austen.
Kim Wilson has written other books about Jane Austen. At Home with Jane Austen looks particularly appealing.
Beauty is a Sleeping Cat 
This sounds a fun read, even for non-tea drinkers such as myself 🙂
It really is. I’m actually not much of a tea drinker either.
As a confirmed tea drinker, this sounds perfect!
It’s really nice.
I love tea but for some reason I can’t drink in on empty stomach while coffee never affects me.
This looks like a beautiful book, Caroline! Loved the pages you shared! Jane Austen and tea – sounds so cool. On a related topic, not related to Jane Austen, but related to tea, one of my favourite passages on tea is from Henry James’ ‘The Portrait of a Lady’. It goes like this –
“Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. There are circumstances in which, whether you partake of the tea or not – some people of course never do, – the situation is in itself delightful.”
That’s such a lovely quote. My afternoon tea used to be so impirtant until for some reason it didn’t agree with me any more. It’s quite bizarre as coffee is no problem.
I’ve had thos book for a while but taking it out and browsing it again, put me in the mood to finally read it from beginning to end and add a reread of some Austen books. I like her so much.
Oh sorry to know that. Glad you have coffee though. I have coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon 🙂
Yes, that’s what I like too. Sometimes it’s OK though just never on an empty stomach. That’s why I drink coffee in the morning. It’s too bad as I like the taste of tea.🙂
Yes, tea tastes better, I agree 🙂
Ideal gift material, particularly for Austen fans. I like the inclusion of the recipes for afternoon tea, very civilised indeed.
I don’t have a sweet tooth but I’d still be interested to try the one or the other. And, yes, it’s an ideal gift.
Sounds interesting. It seems that tea played such an important part of English Social life during the 18th and 19th Centuries and into the 20th Century. I am thinking of not just Austin, but books by Anthony Trollope and others that had many passages centering on tea time.
That’s true. It was such an important ritual. I found it so interesting to see how important it was not only in the books but in her life.