Peterson field guide to medicinal plants and herbs of eastern and central North America

Is there a reason to purchase this edition if you already own the 2000 second edition? Emphatically, yes. First, a very off-putting font printed on extremely glossy paper (try reading that in a sunny meadow while determining which member of the parsley family you are thinking of gathering) has been replaced with a clearer font on crisp, white matte paper. Then, the preface, which starts with a slight rearrangement of the second edition text, suddenly heads down a new path, discussing developments in herbal medicine during the last 14 years. Updates are also included in the manual for using the book, particularly on the subject of scientific and family names. Many of the photographs are the same as in the old edition, but many new ones have been added, too, lending clarity to the botanist seeking, say, Clammy Ground Cherry (potentially toxic), Parlin's Pussytoes (for use in a tea for coughs), or Spotted Pipsissewa (said to be a skin irritant.) A substantial number of species accounts, which contain a basic description, possible location, remarks and warnings, have been rewritten or expanded. Some are more tightly detailed, as in the entry for Rattlesnake Master, which previously said "American Indians used the root..." but now offers the specific "Cherokee and Creek Indians...." Some entries are completely new and others have been dropped. The glossary and the list of botanical terms have been lengthened, and a historical bibliography is included as well as the current references. (The index to plants and that to medical topics were not seen). The Life List has been eliminated. Budding herbalists should pay strict attention to the printed warnings and remember that natural plant medicines can vary widely in potency, unlike the carefully measured chemicals of a pharmaceutical company. VERDICT A hefty handbook to haul over marsh and meadow, but invaluable to searchers and researchers alike.-Patricia Manning, formerly with -Eastchester P.L., NY (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.