For lovers of afternoon tea, Gillian Perry’s "Please Pass the Scones: A Social History of English Afternoon Tea" is a delightful look into the history, traditions, and cultural significance of one of Britain’s most cherished pastimes.
Rich in historical detail yet effortlessly engaging, this book serves as both an informative read and a celebration of the elegant ritual of afternoon tea.
Perry’s book is a journey through time, exploring how afternoon tea evolved from an aristocratic indulgence to a beloved custom enjoyed by people across the globe.
The author traces its origins to the early 19th century, when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, first introduced the concept of a light meal to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner. From there, Please Pass the Scones paints a picture of how tea culture flourished, influenced by social class, changing fashions, and the economic forces of the British Empire.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the social and cultural elements of afternoon tea. Perry recounts historical facts, bringing them to life with fascinating anecdotes about famous tea drinkers, from Queen Victoria to literary figures like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. She also delves into the etiquette of tea drinking, from the importance of properly brewed leaves to the precise angle at which one should hold a teacup. These details will delight readers who appreciate the finer points of afternoon tea.
The book covers a wide range of subjects linked to tea drinking and afternoon tea.
Here are examples of the chapters:
Chapter 1 – A Leaf in the Wind
Chapter 4 – The finest china on the table
Chapter 8 – Milk first or tea first? And other perceived social dividers
Chapter 9 – What to wear for tea
Chapter 15 – Other tea time traditions and how they came about
The book also explores the role of tea in women’s social circles and how it became a symbol of refinement, hospitality, and even political movements. Perry discusses the influence of the suffragette movement, during which afternoon tea gatherings became an opportunity for women to exchange ideas and rally for change. Showing how a genteel tradition was also a space for empowerment.
Perry delves into the history of classic tea-time treats, from scones with clotted cream to dainty finger sandwiches and elegant pastries. Readers will appreciate the attention given to the evolution of these delicacies, including the long-standing debate over whether to put jam or cream first on a scone.
The book strikes a balance between historical depth and charming storytelling, making it appealing to both tea lovers and serious history enthusiasts.
Please Pass the Scones by Gillian Perry, published by Palatine Books, 2022, is available on Amazon.
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