Steeped in Tradition: A Celebration of Tea

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating look at the institution of afternoon tea.
Review: This book has enormous value for its exploration of the importance of tea time to the lives of women, particularly with reference to Victorian social etiquette. It is an interesting read. Also featured are afternoon tea recipes from the Victorian period and contemporary offerings. I especially enjoyed the poppy seed cake! It apparently was one of several firm cakes which were very popular at Victorian drawing room tea parties. The book would be of benefit to anyone interested or involved in the tea room business. I would also recommend this book to anyone who likes tea and baking, but its real importance lies in the historical account it gives of the institution. It would, I am sure, be a valuable resource for scholars of social history.