The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea
The Art and Pleasures of Taking Tea
By Helen Simpson

     Since the Edwardian days, the English have had the Ritz and the tradition of afternoon tea. Helen Simpson takes the curiosity out of afternoon tea and the Ritz in her book, The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea. She explains everything from how the Ritz was decorated to how the tradition began and what kinds of teas and desserts were served. But that’s not all; she also tells us the history of tea drinking, gives recipes on sandwiches and savory dishes, tells us the difference in winter tea, high tea, summer tea and gives a directory of teas. She also gives old recipes of English cakes, foreign cakes and wicked cakes. It’s absolutely delightful.

     The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea is the kind of book one shares with others in the way of gift giving, especially to fellow tea drinkers. With all that’s in it, it would be a scandal not to share it. The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea is a small book with recipes and facts to match the larger cookbooks—a complete must for those who love tea --or coffee, for that matter.