Leaves in Myth, Magic and Medicine

by Alice Thoms Vitale

A historical herbal encompassing over one hundred ten species of North American leaves explores the superstitions, beliefs, myths, medicines, and poetry attributed to each variety

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Nature, Gardening

351 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 1997

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across this squat tome at a used bookstore. I mention its size because it was the dimensions of the book that caught my eye as much as the beautiful illustrations--it's not often you see a book not intended for children, whose pages are only as tall as they are wide. In a strange sort of way though, it works to frame the leaf impressions in full, without wasting much space. It just looks a bit strange on my shelf.

Anyway, the actual content is quite interesting, if a bit dry. Dozens of different trees, shrubs, and vines are discussed here, with focus on the history, folklore, and medicinal uses surrounding their leaves. It's a topic I wouldn't have expected to be so deep, making for a truly interesting read. The presentation is also fantastic: dark brown text and small illustrations, interspersed with pressings of the actual leaves from each specimen, in rich green ink. It really carries through the naturalistic theme in a simple, yet effective way.

If you're like me, and you enjoy the more esoteric parts of history, you'll probably enjoy Leaves quite a bit. It is a bit of an older book, so it might be hard to track down, but it's worth it if you can.

[Jennifer Zenobia-Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book covering so many interesting folklores about our trees.

[Brittany Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative book

[Robyn Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great leaf illustrations and interesting text. Lots of quirky information.

[Kirsten Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know about the various plants and the history of their leaves, this is your accessible tome. Loved it.

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book for those interested in the medicinal use of leaves and their cultural significance. Each section is very brief, maybe only 2 pages, so the information given is more of an overview. Still, the information given is good reference material, and the art is beautifully distinct in its detail. Definitely a keeper.

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I can add leaf facts to my collection of trivia that I awkwardly tell strangers to avoid actually interacting in a meaningful way with people!

Wow. Shit just got dark fast. There's not a leaf that cures that.

[Rift Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful coffee table book. Lots of interesting trivia, and beautiful leaf prints!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you read these informative histories, legends and uses of leaves, you will look at trees and shrubs in a whole new way.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting narrative and the leaf prints for each species are of very fine quality.