Customer Reviews

Leaves in Myth, Magic & Medicine

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Good Lord, this book is absolutely stunning! What a find! Getting this book as a holiday gift is indeed a good argument for writing an accurate self-description on one's wish list - I said I loved leaves and I got this amazing book which I never even knew existed. The ink autoprints are so finely detailed, it's hard to believe they are really printed off living leaves. Meeting the woman/artist/botanist who so lovingly (obviously) and painstakingly created these prints would be an honor and truly fascinating. This is a case of art imitating yet surpassing nature by making you really SEE and understand its wonder.

What do you do with a 4-hour layover in the Denver airport? Well, you browse the book shop and if you're lucky you find this gem on the shelf. The hand printed leaf forms are perfection in every way, and each page brings magical anecdotes about the plant forms, odd myths, medicinal uses, and sweet little graphics to enhance the overall feel of the book. From it's square hefty shape, right down to the dusting of soft green tones on the page edges, this book is a delight and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves and appreciates natural botanical forms and enjoys the unusual information this insightful writer has gathered over the years. In the very back on the dust jacket, there is a photo of the author, a lovely woman, who at age 87 declares this is her first book! I love owning this and have bought several copies for friends as gifts. At $20 plus some change here at Amazon.com you can't go wrong. A superb value!

This original and unique book was written by an 87 year old retired librarian. Ms. Vitale devoted 30 years to researching and creating this wonderful portrait of leaves. The 110 leaf specimens are all grown in American soil. The author includes fascinating information on tree lore, medicine, botany and so much more. This book brought me hours of pleasure and is also a great reference book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest and love for trees and/or all aspects of nature.

110 specimens are the result of Alice Vitale's life-long avocation and work. The leaf drawings are exquisite and each herb is delightfully presented with a smattering of folklore, origins, medicinal uses, quotes and poems. Some very obscure herbs are covered in this compendium.

"Leaves in Myth, Magic & Medicine" is a delightful book that will bring readers years of pleasure. Like nature itself, the magestic beauty contained within is revealed slowly in layers. More than just a beautiful picture book, the text for each leaf portrait is rich yet concise. "Leaves in Myth, Magic & Myth" is a wonderful monograph to give to naturalists, environmentalists, folklorists, herbalists, family or friends who want to widen their horizons while deepening their appreciation for trees.

Everyone who loves plants should own this book. Not only is it full of information, it also is lovely to look at and lovely to hold. This book is why not every book should be digitized.