MOST of us probably have at least one cup a day. Some of us probably get through several pots of the drink.

And, in times of crisis and stress, it's what the British traditionally turn to as the first resort to help them through, usually with the phrase: Let's put the kettle on and brew up.

Tea is part of the British character and the history of this fascinating drink is as rich and colourful as most of the cups we use to drink it.

In Britain alone 165 million cups are consumed every day. But tea is not simply an innocuous afternoon tipple.

Both socially and economically the humble camellia bush has been one of the strongest forces known to man, transforming culture, health, politics, aesthetics and lifestyles.

Charting its remarkable history, Green Gold -- The Empire of Tea (Ebury Press, £12.99) by Alan Macfarlane and his mother, Iris Macfarlane, reveals the fascinating story of the world's greatest addiction.

They reveal that tea has played a pivotal role in almost all of the most important advances the world has ever known.

But it has also been one of the most devastating forces over the last 3,000 years. Destroying kingdoms, starting wars and exploiting labourers, the pursuit of the perfect cuppa has led to immense environmental and human costs.

Plotting an incredible journey that spans continents, cultures and centuries, this book relates the rich and intoxicating tale of the nation's favourite drink.