Review by Booklist Review
This is the thirteenth volume in Dorling Kindersley's authoritative Eyewitness Handbooks, guides to the natural world. Here is probably the most comprehensive guide to herbs ever published; 700 species are covered, augmented by 1,500 color photographs. Each compact entry gives the herb's scientific family and species names; common species name; alternative common name from native regions; physical description; uses; unusual or notable features; habitat; uses; and related species, forms, varieties, or cultivars. Symbols indicate which parts of the plant are used (flower, leaf, root, bark, seed, etc.). The book is divided into six parts: trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals and biennials, vines, and other herbs (including fungi and non-seed-bearing plants). A lucid and informative introduction explains in detail the parts of herbs: leaves and stems; flowers; seeds, fruits, and nuts; roots; bark, woods, and resin; and essential oils. The introduction also offers tips on using herbs in cooking, their healing powers, herbs with other applications, and herb gardens. This visual guide to the world's herbs is a gem; no gardener should be without it. ~--George Cohen
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Gifted English writer and herb-garden designer Bremness (Complete Book of Herbs) here produces a work of some interest, but little use. In an attempt to fit more than 700 herbs from all over the world into one glossy little book, no aspect of plant knowledge is more than merely touched upon. Although the photographs are numerous and crystal-clear, this is not a dependable field guide for plant identification, nor does it tell us what we can do with the herbs, in spite of many references to what they have been used for in various parts of the world. Editorial consultant Holly Shimizu's introduction makes wonderful reading, covering plant anatomy and much else. While the main entries include clear illustrations of what the entire plant looks like-a feature lacking in some other herb books-we don't learn whether the herb in question can be coaxed to grow for us. Beautiful it is, but the book isn't useful enough. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Comprehensive, accurate, attractive, and useful are all ways to describe this newest addition to the "Eyewitness Handbooks" series. Over 700 plant species from around the world that have known medicinal value derived from some part of the plant are covered in this compact work by Bremness, a well-known herbalist and author. After a brief introduction to herbs and their useful parts (leaves, roots), each plant is described in a concise entry arranged by scientific name within sections covering trees, shrugs, herbaceous perennials, annuals, vines, and non-seed producing plants. Annotated photos of the individual plant and its parts convey significant characteristics valuable in utilizing and identifying the plant, while the text provides a variety of information on the plant itself and its uses. As a browser's delight, a useful herbal handbook, or a quick reference source, this is a welcome addition to any library with a perennially popular herbs section.-Teresa Elberson, Lafayette P.L., La. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
YA-Seven hundred species of herbs are presented through full-color photographs and artwork. Each section- trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals and biennials, vines, and fungi and non-seed bearing plants-is arranged alphabetically. Each entry identifies botanical and common species name and provides a physical description, uses, related forms and varieties, key identifying features, natural habitat, and detailed pictures. This is a handbook for knowledgeable herbalists as well as for beginners. The latter should be cautioned since the notations concerning toxic or poisonous plants and dangerous dosages are buried in the text. An excellent guide when coupled with competent instruction.-Mary T. Gerrity, Queen Anne School Library, Upper Marlboro, MD (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
