Plants of the Bible [Paperback]

Harold N. Moldenke (Author), Alma L. Moldenke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1986

This classic work is the standard reference on Biblical botany. Two hundred and thirty plants mentioned in the Bible are treated in detail, beginning with references in scripture and proceeding to botanical descriptions of appearance and use; references in the non-Christian literature of antiquity and in the writings of non-botanical travelers in the Holy Land; etymological comparisons; comparative plant lore; symbolism and variations in translations of the Bible. The work clarifies many Biblical passages and references, and gives fascinating insights into daily life in Biblical and earlier times through plant use. Plants dealt with include henna, cinnamon, cotton, myrrh, cedar, sandalwood, myrtle, mandrake, lilies, and thorns. There are line drawings, a bibliography, index to Bible verses, general index and a section of plates.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Harold N. Moldenke was Curator of the Herbarium, New York Botanical Garden. Alma L. Modenke was a biologist.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (May 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486250695
• ISBN-13: 978-0486250694
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #603,558 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A CLASSIC on PLANTS of the BIBLE!, April 3, 2001

By 

Mr. Gary S. Dykes (Visalia, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plants of the Bible (Paperback)

This husband and wife team produced an unbeatable text on the subject of plants of the Bible. This is a paperback, a 1986 reprint by Dover Publications, thus it is a good paperback. It is apparently not printed on acid-free paper, nor is it smyth-sewn.

The text is laid out very much like any other serious book on a region's botany. The order of presentation is alphabetic using the Latin names of the species. Each presentation is referenced to other botanical works, alloyed with a fine bibliography. About 230 plants are discussed. The discussions are authoritative and thorough. The authors are well qualified for such an undertaking!

It is accented with a fair number of good line drawings, one map and excellent indexes (including not only the Latin names but the common names as well). It also has a nice "Historical Sketch" showing the peoples and events which enlightened the rest of the world concerning the plants mentioned in the Scriptures. Of course each plant is cross referenced to its Biblical passage(s). The geographical locations of each plant are abundantly made known. Not all papyrus plants came from Egypt!

Sure color photos would have been nice, but then the price would be exceedingly high. This is a great book, very handy, and easy to use. It is packed with useful botanical data about the Holy Land. My only regret was their use of the word "legend" when applied to the account of the creation (on page 20).

The pages measure 6 x 9 inches packed with fine, but legible print. All of this is within about 268 pages. Concluding the work are a number of black and white plates and drawings. This book is dirt cheap, and a real bargain at triple the price!! Highly recommended, and fun to read! courtesy of: Mr. Gary S. Dykes