James Norwood Pratt, Tea Society

We lovers of tea belong to a brother- and sisterhood that is quite literally as old as the pyramids. We all know that tea is good for us, but that is not why we love it. Tea is simply something that always makes us feel better and a bit more civilized and that is reason enough. Please allow me to introduce myself on video if you would care to meet the author at home. The books I write will allow you to join me at tea; please read on!

Private Classes in San Francisco

JNP’s inimitable three hour tour of the world’s most famous teas, their various types, origins and history, accompanied by a flight of the teas discussed. As entertaining as it is intensive, JNP’s Comprehensive Tea Course features seeing, touching, smelling and tasting our way thro’ all six families of tea and around the tea-producing world under the guidance of America’s favorite Tea Sage and Story-Teller, with teas expertly prepared and served by Valerie Turner Pratt.

JNP’s Comprehensive Tea Course will be offered from 2 until 5 PM on the first Sunday of every month in San Francisco. This is a rare chance to take this illustrated course, originally developed as the Tea Sommelier program for industry professionals, in luxury and quiet at Tranquil Resonance Studio, 1352 Mason @ Jackson. For advance registration (required, as classes are limited to eighteen persons) please contact JNP. The $75 tuition (cash or check) includes tea and a signed copy of the Ultimate Tea Lover’s Treasury.

Tea Sommelier Program

Intensive classes at Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master levels offered around the country thro'out the year at Specialty Coffee Association of America Coffee Fests. Check Coffee Fest for up-coming classes.

Updates

Encomium For JNP as a “Tea Saint”
In 2010 the Library of Chinese Classics published a two volume, bi-lingual edition/translation of The Classic of Tea by Lu Yu and the lesser-known Sequel to the Classic of Tea compiled 1000 years later. The translation is the work of twin sisters, Jiang Yi and Jiang Xin, who praised JNP in their Introduction as follows:

“In recent years the person who has made the greatest efforts to promote and publicize The Classic of Tea is James Norwood Pratt, regarded as the ‘American Tea Saint.’ …In 2007 the opera Tea: Mirror of Soul by Tan Dun, a Chinese-born composer and conductor, was staged at the Santa Fe Opera in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. Tan’s opening night was supported earnestly by James Norwood Pratt. James also published a series of articles including “Lu Yu: Soul Man.” His writings have aroused in the English-speaking world great enthusiasm about The Classic of Tea and Chinese tea culture, upgrading it from its previous utilitarian status to a new height as a work with profound spiritual implications.”

“Tea Saint” is much too good a mis-interpretation of “Tea Sage” to correct and is sure to amuse JNP’s wicked friends and colleagues.

Classes and upcoming appearances

June 1-3
World Tea Expo, Las Vegas

June 8-10
Tea Sommelier Program, Chicago, part of Coffee Fest

August, dates to be announced
Berkeley Tea Festival, Los Angeles Tea Festival

September 21-23
Tea Sommelier Program, Seattle, part of Coffee Fest

October 6, 7
Northwest Tea Fest, Seattle, part of Coffee Fest