The Meaning of Herbs: Myth, Language & Lore

The Meaning of Herbs: Myth, Language & Lore
by Gretchen Scoble, Ann Fiery, Ann Field
Hardcover - 108 pages (May 2001)
Chronicle Books
ISBN: 0811830314
Dimensions (in inches): 0.75 x 8.35 x 6.40

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Book 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.

Customer Reviews
Reviewer: hannah12 from Arlington, Virginia USA
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.

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