Book excerpt: To tea, or not to tea? That is no question! A tea collector and addict spills the leaves. The author is a vegetarian, non-smoker and teetotaler - but should one not have at least one vice? Brutally honest and in a comprehensive way, he reveals his experience with his addiction to finding increasingly better teas for the daily dose and the constantly growing collection. But that is not all, he also freely discloses how he treats the most tender leaves and buds with boiling water, some of which is even bubbling. In addition to providing personal experiences, the book also serves as a thorough guide and reference book, covering tea varieties and cultivars as well as the topics of purchasing, storing, choosing the right water, the various ways of brewing and the fitting accessories. Furthermore, more than 200 different teas are presented, both world-renowned standards as well as some personal favorites and curiosities. A wealth of photos illustrate the text.