The Meaning of Herbs: Myth, Language & Lore (Hardcover)

by Ann Field (Author), Gretchen Scoble (Author) "The leaf of the coriander plant constitutes an herb in its own right-cilantro, or Chinese parsley-while the seed, whole or ground, has been used in..." (more)
Key Phrases: Nicholas Culpeper

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"Take borage for courage. Send a bouquet of yarrow to declare war. Hang a sprig of rue at the door to keep witches at bay."

Like flowers, herbs are steeped in myth and magic, secrets and lore. For centuries, their powers have been called upon to seduce lovers and dispel witches, send hidden messages and brew potent elixirs, entice the palate and soothe the mind. Illustrated with enchanting collages by acclaimed artist Ann Field, this delightful tribute to the meaning and magic of herbs offers a contemporary introduction to an age-old tradition. The text draws on botanical, mythological, and historical sources worldwide, from ancient Rome to Victorian England, from Asia to the Americas, presenting profiles of over 50 herbs favored through the ages. Blending fact, folktale, natural history, and original art, The Meaning of Herbs explores the language and lore of nature's most versatile and powerful gifts.

About the Author
Ann Field has work that includes distinctive collages and bright illustrations that have been featured in many books, magazines, and exhibitions around the world. Her artwork also appears in Citrus. Born in England, today she lives in Santa Monica, Califor

Gretchen Scoble is a designer whose elegant and lively books have received many awards. She lives in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 108 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811830314
• ISBN-13: 978-0811830317
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #752,842 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice little gift...., May 23, 2001

By	Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Who doesn't like herbs? THE MEANING OF HERBS is not at all about actually growing herbs. So, if your looking for a gardening book try THE COMPLETE BOOK OF HERBS by Lesley Bremness or RODALE'S ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HERBS.

THE MEANING OF HERBS is filled with fun factoids and trivial tales that may or may not be true. For example, "Early herbalists prescribed oregano to those who 'are given to too much sighing' and enraged bears were believed to calm themselves by chewing on oregano bushes." This may be, but knowing where bears come from and the origin of oregano, I suspect the bears in question discovered the oregano cure quite by accident in someone's cultivated herb patch (probably right over there in the Great Smokies). And of course, some human must have been around to observe and record the enraged bear as he became becalmed by chewing oregano leaves. (Wonder what enraged him to begin with? Could it be he got into the gardener's bee hive and tried to eat oregano flower honey?).

THE MEANING OF HERBS will make a nice party favor, thank-you gift, or a small present for a friend. Filled with somewhat amusing and interesting anectdotes about herbs (and bears) as well as lots of pretty drawings, it's sure to send a warm and positive message.