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A History of Herbalism Cure, Cook and Conjure
Food historian Emma Kay tells the story of our centuries-old relationship with herbs. From herbalists of old to contemporary cooking, this book reveals the magical and medicinal properties of your favourite plants in colourful, compelling detail.
At one time, every village in Britain had a herbalist. A History of Herbalism investigates the lives of women and men who used herbs to administer treatment and knew the benefit of each. Meet Dr Richard Shephard of Preston, who cultivated angelica on his estate in the eighteenth century for the sick and injured; or Nicholas Culpeper, a botanist who catalogued the pharmaceutical benefits of herbs for early literary society.
But herbs were not only medicinal. Countless cultures and beliefs as far back as prehistoric times incorporated herbs into their practices: paganism, witchcraft, religion and even astrology. Take a walk through a medieval ‘physick’ garden, or Early Britain, and learn the ancient rituals to fend off evil powers, protect or bewitch or even attract a lover.
The wake of modern medicine saw a shift away from herbal treatments, with rituals and spells shrouded with superstition as the years wore on. The author reveals how herbs became more culinary rather than medicinal including accounts of recent trends for herbal remedies as lockdown and the pandemic leads us to focus more on our health and wellbeing.
At one time, every village in Britain had a herbalist. A History of Herbalism investigates the lives of women and men who used herbs to administer treatment and knew the benefit of each. Meet Dr Richard Shephard of Preston, who cultivated angelica on his estate in the eighteenth century for the sick and injured; or Nicholas Culpeper, a botanist who catalogued the pharmaceutical benefits of herbs for early literary society.
But herbs were not only medicinal. Countless cultures and beliefs as far back as prehistoric times incorporated herbs into their practices: paganism, witchcraft, religion and even astrology. Take a walk through a medieval ‘physick’ garden, or Early Britain, and learn the ancient rituals to fend off evil powers, protect or bewitch or even attract a lover.
The wake of modern medicine saw a shift away from herbal treatments, with rituals and spells shrouded with superstition as the years wore on. The author reveals how herbs became more culinary rather than medicinal including accounts of recent trends for herbal remedies as lockdown and the pandemic leads us to focus more on our health and wellbeing.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 28, 2022
The book starts with an introduction that lists herbs for various purposes and then takes you on a brief world history tour of herbalism, starting with the Greeks and Chinese. Throughout the book examples of how various herbs are used are employed from sources from multiple countries.
There are three chapters. Chapter 1 goes over specific British herbalists, followed by information on those who worked in adjacent fields (sellers, hospitals, gardens, illustrators). Chapter 2 deals with magic and medicine, giving individual A-Z lists for both topics. Each listing mentions an anecdote or usage from a historic source. The book isn’t being comprehensive, there are only a few usages per herb, but it’s a great compilation that’s enlightening without being boring. Chapter 3 is on how herbs have been used in cooking. Here the author translates a number of interesting recipes. Be aware, with a few exceptions these are direct historical translations, meaning there are no measurements, so unless you’re used to using old cookbooks or are a trained chef, you’ll have a lot of experimentation ahead of you if you decide to make one of these recipes. The recipes are organized by topic, with most of them employing multiple herbs.
I was impressed with the breadth of sources Kay used. I learned about quite a few interesting British and medieval herbals (some of which you can find online as they are out of copyright), as well as herbs and herbals from other countries (including Nigeria, Japan, and the Aztec empire). I was impressed by the number of countries with written herbals predating the modern period, and with the author’s including recipes and herbal usages from so many of them.
The book ends with substantial notes and a bibliography.
There are a decent number of black and white photographs to accompany the text.
The text often jumps from one herb or topic to another with little to no transition, which I found delightful as it maintained interest when reading the book in its entirety, though some might find it disorienting.
This is a great book. It tackles a broad topic and has done an excellent job of maintaining interest while being enlightening. Even if you’ve read several books on herbs and herbals you’ll find something new here.
(review copy via Netgalley)
There are three chapters. Chapter 1 goes over specific British herbalists, followed by information on those who worked in adjacent fields (sellers, hospitals, gardens, illustrators). Chapter 2 deals with magic and medicine, giving individual A-Z lists for both topics. Each listing mentions an anecdote or usage from a historic source. The book isn’t being comprehensive, there are only a few usages per herb, but it’s a great compilation that’s enlightening without being boring. Chapter 3 is on how herbs have been used in cooking. Here the author translates a number of interesting recipes. Be aware, with a few exceptions these are direct historical translations, meaning there are no measurements, so unless you’re used to using old cookbooks or are a trained chef, you’ll have a lot of experimentation ahead of you if you decide to make one of these recipes. The recipes are organized by topic, with most of them employing multiple herbs.
I was impressed with the breadth of sources Kay used. I learned about quite a few interesting British and medieval herbals (some of which you can find online as they are out of copyright), as well as herbs and herbals from other countries (including Nigeria, Japan, and the Aztec empire). I was impressed by the number of countries with written herbals predating the modern period, and with the author’s including recipes and herbal usages from so many of them.
The book ends with substantial notes and a bibliography.
There are a decent number of black and white photographs to accompany the text.
The text often jumps from one herb or topic to another with little to no transition, which I found delightful as it maintained interest when reading the book in its entirety, though some might find it disorienting.
This is a great book. It tackles a broad topic and has done an excellent job of maintaining interest while being enlightening. Even if you’ve read several books on herbs and herbals you’ll find something new here.
(review copy via Netgalley)
May 27, 2022
This is a history book looking at people’s relationships with herbs, with a focus on Britain, although the introduction gives an honourable mention to many traditional herbal practices from around the globe and chapter 3 includes recipes from all over the place.
Chapter 1 looks at notable figures in the history of herbalism in Britain, from various midwives to the ubiquitous Nicholas Culpepper. Sometimes it is their work itself that’s discussed, other times it’s their lives or the context in which the work was received. It also covers other related professions like botanical illustration, herb selling and strewing. If you pick up the book for the herbs themselves, this section may be a bit dry, because it’s focused on the history of the people, but I thought it was fascinating.
Chapter 2 moves on to the intersections between medicinal herbalism and magical thinking, as well as chronicling the herbs themselves and the different methods of preparing and using them. It’s very thorough.
Chapter 3 is about food, specifically about the way herb use in cooking has changed over time. It includes lots of historical recipes. However sometimes there was a claim was made about the effects of herb/food that weren’t clarified, so I couldn’t tell if this was a belief from the same time as the recipe, from alternative circles, or backed up by science.
I have only an amateur interest in history, so I cannot judge the quality of the historical investigation (although there are a pleasing number of footnotes and a chunky bibliography, which is a good sign). There were plenty of excerpts from primary sources, which I enjoyed. There were things that niggled however. For example, in a section about early British female herbalists: “Throw in some early medieval misogyny and male-dominated jurisdiction and the Witchcraft Act of 1542 was created.” The 1540s are, at best, in the late Medieval period (if not the Early Modern period) so I don’t know why legislation from then is being attributed to the early medieval, some 500 to 1000 years earlier. I look forward to reviews by actual historians for a critique of the subject matter.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Chapter 1 looks at notable figures in the history of herbalism in Britain, from various midwives to the ubiquitous Nicholas Culpepper. Sometimes it is their work itself that’s discussed, other times it’s their lives or the context in which the work was received. It also covers other related professions like botanical illustration, herb selling and strewing. If you pick up the book for the herbs themselves, this section may be a bit dry, because it’s focused on the history of the people, but I thought it was fascinating.
Chapter 2 moves on to the intersections between medicinal herbalism and magical thinking, as well as chronicling the herbs themselves and the different methods of preparing and using them. It’s very thorough.
Chapter 3 is about food, specifically about the way herb use in cooking has changed over time. It includes lots of historical recipes. However sometimes there was a claim was made about the effects of herb/food that weren’t clarified, so I couldn’t tell if this was a belief from the same time as the recipe, from alternative circles, or backed up by science.
I have only an amateur interest in history, so I cannot judge the quality of the historical investigation (although there are a pleasing number of footnotes and a chunky bibliography, which is a good sign). There were plenty of excerpts from primary sources, which I enjoyed. There were things that niggled however. For example, in a section about early British female herbalists: “Throw in some early medieval misogyny and male-dominated jurisdiction and the Witchcraft Act of 1542 was created.” The 1540s are, at best, in the late Medieval period (if not the Early Modern period) so I don’t know why legislation from then is being attributed to the early medieval, some 500 to 1000 years earlier. I look forward to reviews by actual historians for a critique of the subject matter.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 30, 2022
I was fortunate enough to be gifted an advance publication copy of this book. Having read it, I now intend to purchase a copy as I can foresee myself dipping in and out of it in the future. It is packed full of information and I particularly enjoyed the history surrounding herbs and their uses.
For my full review please visit my blog at: https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
For my full review please visit my blog at: https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
May 8, 2022
Fascinating book, well written explains all about herbalism
Would great understand each aspect so can gage how herbals can be used and the secret of them
Would great understand each aspect so can gage how herbals can be used and the secret of them
May 19, 2022
By the time I finished reading the title, "A History of Herbalism: Cure, Cook and Conjure", I was already clicking my mouse to grab this book, which I did *not* set aside to read later. I gleefully dove into it immediately. Seeing as how I love history, and am a forager and user of medicinal and edible herbs, how could I not? The cover art is also enticing and delightful.
The book is divided into three distinct sections, so I'll talk about each of them in turn. Don't skip over the introduction though, it's packed with historic information that will give you some background and set the stage for the chapters to follow. Also, keep in mind that this book focuses mainly on British herbalism history.
Chapter 1: From 'Witches' to Botanists: British Pioneers, Popularists and Everyday Herbalists
Here's an absorbing mix of herbal medicine history, quotes from very old books, illustrations, photographs, and enough trivia to give you conversation fodder for the rest of your life. Those interested in Women's Studies will learn about the early history of white witches, midwives, and healers. It should come as no surprise that women excelled as herbalists, yet were often punished for practicing those skills. I also enjoyed learning more about quackery, herb illustrators, and the first hospitals.
Chapter 2: Magic and Medicine
Now we get into usage guides, one herb at a time. Many ancient incantations are included. I was amused by the entry on chamomile, which in part read, "Traditionally, it was grown in alleys and walkways and on the banks of rivers, as it was understood that the more chamomile plants were pressed and trodden down, the more abundantly they would grow." My own driveway is proof positive that this is the truth!
Chapter 3: Culinary Transition
This section covers the British use and importing of herbs for cooking. There's a wealth of medieval recipes, including the old medieval spellings - almaund mylke, anyone? Modern translations are included with each historic recipe. These are fascinating to read from so many angles - history, language and how it changes over time, the ingredients used, what properties were attributed to the ingredients... I was quite absorbed in this section (that's the foodie in me, I'm sure) and enjoyed reading every word. Oh, and I think Boiled Green Dumplings actually sound delicious, and I may attempt a version of them very soon.
For the academically inclined, there's heaps of cited references at the back of the book, and a large bibliography. This book should also be of great interest to authors of historical fiction, as a tool to help bring their stories to life.
My thanks to author Emma Kay, Pen & Sword, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The book is divided into three distinct sections, so I'll talk about each of them in turn. Don't skip over the introduction though, it's packed with historic information that will give you some background and set the stage for the chapters to follow. Also, keep in mind that this book focuses mainly on British herbalism history.
Chapter 1: From 'Witches' to Botanists: British Pioneers, Popularists and Everyday Herbalists
Here's an absorbing mix of herbal medicine history, quotes from very old books, illustrations, photographs, and enough trivia to give you conversation fodder for the rest of your life. Those interested in Women's Studies will learn about the early history of white witches, midwives, and healers. It should come as no surprise that women excelled as herbalists, yet were often punished for practicing those skills. I also enjoyed learning more about quackery, herb illustrators, and the first hospitals.
Chapter 2: Magic and Medicine
Now we get into usage guides, one herb at a time. Many ancient incantations are included. I was amused by the entry on chamomile, which in part read, "Traditionally, it was grown in alleys and walkways and on the banks of rivers, as it was understood that the more chamomile plants were pressed and trodden down, the more abundantly they would grow." My own driveway is proof positive that this is the truth!
Chapter 3: Culinary Transition
This section covers the British use and importing of herbs for cooking. There's a wealth of medieval recipes, including the old medieval spellings - almaund mylke, anyone? Modern translations are included with each historic recipe. These are fascinating to read from so many angles - history, language and how it changes over time, the ingredients used, what properties were attributed to the ingredients... I was quite absorbed in this section (that's the foodie in me, I'm sure) and enjoyed reading every word. Oh, and I think Boiled Green Dumplings actually sound delicious, and I may attempt a version of them very soon.
For the academically inclined, there's heaps of cited references at the back of the book, and a large bibliography. This book should also be of great interest to authors of historical fiction, as a tool to help bring their stories to life.
My thanks to author Emma Kay, Pen & Sword, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 25, 2022
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I received A History of Herbalism to review but what I did discover was a very thoroughly written British history of herbalism. From using herbs for health and healing to the darker side of magic and witchcraft, this book covers herbs in a very interesting way.
A History of Herbalism is written in three sections: the history of herbalism, the magic and medicinal history and uses of herbs, and recipes from the past using herbs.
In chapter one, the author shares the history of herbalism from the earliest of times and includes information from botanists, scientists, herbal practitioners, and illustrators to herbs being used in medical practices and hospitals. She includes information about herbal quackery and the hazardous uses of herbs.
Chapter two is all about herbs for medicinal and magical uses. She dedicates a section to each of the topics from A to Z. These sections are very interesting. The author uses actual archaic writings as the descriptions of the herb's uses and translates when necessary.
In the final chapter, the author shares (and translates) historical recipes to show the culinary traditions using herbs. Some of these recipes are even used for treating medical conditions, such as a fish recipe for jaundice.
All-in-all, A History of Herbalism was incredibly interesting and informative. I learned a lot about the people who were a part of herbalism, about the herbs themselves, and about the uses of herbs. This is a great book for those who are interested in studying herbalism and those who enjoy studying history.
A History of Herbalism is written in three sections: the history of herbalism, the magic and medicinal history and uses of herbs, and recipes from the past using herbs.
In chapter one, the author shares the history of herbalism from the earliest of times and includes information from botanists, scientists, herbal practitioners, and illustrators to herbs being used in medical practices and hospitals. She includes information about herbal quackery and the hazardous uses of herbs.
Chapter two is all about herbs for medicinal and magical uses. She dedicates a section to each of the topics from A to Z. These sections are very interesting. The author uses actual archaic writings as the descriptions of the herb's uses and translates when necessary.
In the final chapter, the author shares (and translates) historical recipes to show the culinary traditions using herbs. Some of these recipes are even used for treating medical conditions, such as a fish recipe for jaundice.
All-in-all, A History of Herbalism was incredibly interesting and informative. I learned a lot about the people who were a part of herbalism, about the herbs themselves, and about the uses of herbs. This is a great book for those who are interested in studying herbalism and those who enjoy studying history.
May 24, 2022
An herbal history written by a food historian. This is exactly something I find utterly intriguing, and I eagerly accepted the opportunity to read an advance copy of this.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by my Italian grandfather’s herb and produce garden - and helped him regularly, learning from his example and words. When I was playing alone, I would make potions. As I grew up, I studied herbs under a mentor for my own benefit and use, and once I became a parent and my youngest child was diagnosed with severe food allergies, given an epi-pen, and that one of her allergens would be so frequently found in many topical products, it was necessary to start making our skin care products and cooking everything from scratch. I started studying again, and became a certified herbalist over ten years ago. I’ve continued with my studies and recipe creation. What started out of need has become a pleasure.
I came to this book from the viewpoint that I am always learning; I will never know enough of the earth and what she gifts us. And this book was fantastic. Thoroughly and wonderfully fantastic. While I did find the history in the beginning of the book to read a little dry; all the rest was fascinating, including the recipes. This is a book I’ll purchase to put in my bookshelf alongside my collection of helpful herbal tomes.
All in all, this is a commendable, excellent resource, and one I especially recommend to herbal students, fans of history, other people in the world who are as obsessed as I am with really old recipes, and gardeners.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by my Italian grandfather’s herb and produce garden - and helped him regularly, learning from his example and words. When I was playing alone, I would make potions. As I grew up, I studied herbs under a mentor for my own benefit and use, and once I became a parent and my youngest child was diagnosed with severe food allergies, given an epi-pen, and that one of her allergens would be so frequently found in many topical products, it was necessary to start making our skin care products and cooking everything from scratch. I started studying again, and became a certified herbalist over ten years ago. I’ve continued with my studies and recipe creation. What started out of need has become a pleasure.
I came to this book from the viewpoint that I am always learning; I will never know enough of the earth and what she gifts us. And this book was fantastic. Thoroughly and wonderfully fantastic. While I did find the history in the beginning of the book to read a little dry; all the rest was fascinating, including the recipes. This is a book I’ll purchase to put in my bookshelf alongside my collection of helpful herbal tomes.
All in all, this is a commendable, excellent resource, and one I especially recommend to herbal students, fans of history, other people in the world who are as obsessed as I am with really old recipes, and gardeners.
June 11, 2022
*This book was received as an advanced reviewer's copy from NetGalley.
Herbs mainly bring to mind cooking for most of society. But once, it wasn't that way. Herbs, and their like, have been used as medicines for centuries (and longer!) to help humans deal with the same sorts of issues that we deal with now. Which is not to say go out and take a handful of basil instead of your medicines, those were invented for a reason, but to say that we've always been trying to figure out what works.
This book is broken into three sections, the first about the people and places who studied or promoted herbalism throughout history, the second about various types of herbs themselves and what they were used for in a medicinal sense, and the third recipes that included herbs from various parts of the globe and time.
Probably the best part of this book was about the herbalists and places that promoted herb use throughout history. It was well researched, had a lot of information I hadn't encountered before, and while it could get a bit lengthy (as history books are wont to do), it was still very interesting. My least favorite was probably the section on recipes/cooking with herbs. I love cooking, but I just found the format of this section hard to read and get into (despite the author thoughtfully providing translated versions of recipes). The middle section, on herbs themselves, was good, if a bit repetitive at times. I liked how the author brought in excerpts from other historical texts to talk about some of the subject matter.
An interesting book and definitely reads as more of a reference book (which isn't a bad thing).
Review by M. Reynard 2022
Herbs mainly bring to mind cooking for most of society. But once, it wasn't that way. Herbs, and their like, have been used as medicines for centuries (and longer!) to help humans deal with the same sorts of issues that we deal with now. Which is not to say go out and take a handful of basil instead of your medicines, those were invented for a reason, but to say that we've always been trying to figure out what works.
This book is broken into three sections, the first about the people and places who studied or promoted herbalism throughout history, the second about various types of herbs themselves and what they were used for in a medicinal sense, and the third recipes that included herbs from various parts of the globe and time.
Probably the best part of this book was about the herbalists and places that promoted herb use throughout history. It was well researched, had a lot of information I hadn't encountered before, and while it could get a bit lengthy (as history books are wont to do), it was still very interesting. My least favorite was probably the section on recipes/cooking with herbs. I love cooking, but I just found the format of this section hard to read and get into (despite the author thoughtfully providing translated versions of recipes). The middle section, on herbs themselves, was good, if a bit repetitive at times. I liked how the author brought in excerpts from other historical texts to talk about some of the subject matter.
An interesting book and definitely reads as more of a reference book (which isn't a bad thing).
Review by M. Reynard 2022
October 6, 2024
3.5/5
It's been a while since I wrote a review due to reader's block but I'll try.
First, a disclaimer: I got this book through NetGalley ages ago.
A history of Herbalism is overall a short book (196 pages counting notes and bibliography) trying to gather the history of the use of herbs (and sometimes, flowers) through history. I overall enjoyed the writing, although due to English not being my first language I had to go check many of the plants' names. What leaves me perplexed is the generic title, while the author heavily focuses mostly on English uses and recipes. Other countries are treated by passing or very lightly, which I find quite unfair if you want to use such a generic title. The bibliography and notes are extensive, which does show great research by the author, and she even supplies photos of her own objects and garden, which imply a due knowledge of the subject specifically relating to England.
The writing is good and mostly simple, and translations are supplied for some recipes in old English or foreign languages, which makes for an interesting and overall easier read on a subject I know little about but would like to explore more.
Unfortunately, this book is not enough - you'd have to search more books on the use of certain herbs in specific countries that are not England or Great Britain, but a good start might be by looking at the bibliography in this volume.
It's been a while since I wrote a review due to reader's block but I'll try.
First, a disclaimer: I got this book through NetGalley ages ago.
A history of Herbalism is overall a short book (196 pages counting notes and bibliography) trying to gather the history of the use of herbs (and sometimes, flowers) through history. I overall enjoyed the writing, although due to English not being my first language I had to go check many of the plants' names. What leaves me perplexed is the generic title, while the author heavily focuses mostly on English uses and recipes. Other countries are treated by passing or very lightly, which I find quite unfair if you want to use such a generic title. The bibliography and notes are extensive, which does show great research by the author, and she even supplies photos of her own objects and garden, which imply a due knowledge of the subject specifically relating to England.
The writing is good and mostly simple, and translations are supplied for some recipes in old English or foreign languages, which makes for an interesting and overall easier read on a subject I know little about but would like to explore more.
Unfortunately, this book is not enough - you'd have to search more books on the use of certain herbs in specific countries that are not England or Great Britain, but a good start might be by looking at the bibliography in this volume.
June 4, 2022
This is a fascinating book, if a bit all over the place. It’s perhaps overly ambitious so, for example, the individual herbs are sometimes given a Latin binomial, sometimes not and seem a bit randomly dealt with in terms of medicinal use throughout history. I picked up a couple of mistakes but they may be in the original sources. Culinary herbs, medicinal herbs, witchcraft, illustration and historical herbal recipes are all covered.
Still, an-up-to date history of western herbalism is very welcome, and this would have been a much more entertaining introduction to the subject than I read when I began training as a medical herbalist. The role of women is given a welcome update in the history of herbalism, and other traditions are mentioned and given credit.
The book is very well researched, and sources given, including websites. Most importantly, it’s very readable, and the old recipes quite fascinating. It should appeal to a pretty wide range of readers.
Still, an-up-to date history of western herbalism is very welcome, and this would have been a much more entertaining introduction to the subject than I read when I began training as a medical herbalist. The role of women is given a welcome update in the history of herbalism, and other traditions are mentioned and given credit.
The book is very well researched, and sources given, including websites. Most importantly, it’s very readable, and the old recipes quite fascinating. It should appeal to a pretty wide range of readers.
June 17, 2022
I've been fascinated by the medicinal properties of herbs since I was recommended sage leaf tea for migraines (it worked - but should be used sparingly!), so "A History of Herbalism" was a book I had to grab. It's well-written, but a trifle frantic in the layout. Even so, this is a valuable book (it has recipes!!). We should probably all have a little herb patch (or pots), even if we don't use them... They're great to have around!
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
May 6, 2022
I’ve read so much on herbs and am a clinically certified aromatherapist, but this history and the broader spectrum of information in this book really makes this like any other book I have ever ready on herbalism. Just like Christianity was based on Pagan beliefs, customs and holidays, here too we have examples of how herbs have fared over time and have come back around again.
If you are even slightly interested in this topic, this book will be a great read for you. if you’re into herbs and history, then this book is REALLY going to be a great read for you. I am highly impressed with the content and it will have a place on my bookshelf for years to come.
If you are even slightly interested in this topic, this book will be a great read for you. if you’re into herbs and history, then this book is REALLY going to be a great read for you. I am highly impressed with the content and it will have a place on my bookshelf for years to come.
May 5, 2022
This book is an absolute joy to read and a fountain of information. If you ever need to know more about herbs and their origins then this the book for you.I will be rereading this quite a few times and buying for gifts. Well done Emma Kay.
June 26, 2022
Emma Kay’s latest book, A History of Herbalism, has her usual mix of facts from a great variety of sources and recipes from an equally large number of old texts. The main structure works well:
- A (long) introduction
- A history of herbalism and herbalists
- An A-Z of herbs and their uses
- Recipes
The introduction covers the world outside the UK, leaving the history section to focus on Britain.
Within the history section, there are sub-headings of:
- Herbalists of the Fourteenth to Seventeenth Centuries
- Herbalists of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries
- Quackery and Hazardous Herbology
- Strewers and Sellers
- Herb Sellers
- Hospitals, Gardens and Stores
- Herb Illustrators
However, the text covers a series of named individuals, such as Nicholas Culpeper, with each one getting a few paragraphs. I think the herbalists are presented in order of birth but, since there are no years of birth or death shown, it’s hard to tell. Also, there is no white space between the mini-biographies or any other indication that we’ve finished with one herbalist and we’re moving on to the next. Although this doesn’t in any way diminish the information Kay is sharing, it does make it much harder for the reader. As with several of Kay’s earlier books, we have impressive research that could have been presented in a much more attractive, reader-friendly manner.
Chapter Two is in two halves: the first looks at the magical elements of herbs and the second looks at the medicinal aspects. That means that we often visit the same herb twice, once to read about its use as an aphrodisiac and once to read that it relieves stomach cramps. I can see why the author did that, but it does make the chapter feel repetitive.
Chapter Three has a lot of recipes in which herbs play a major part. Many are presented in their original language and spelling, including the Anglo-Saxon letter þ, but followed by Kay’s modern translation.
Finally, there are 40+ pages of notes and bibliography. This is a well-researched book and has a lot of interesting stuff but it feels too much like 200 pages of author’s notes rather than a coherent flowing narrative. It would be even better if an editor had spent time on it before publication.
#AHistoryofHerbalism #NetGalley
- A (long) introduction
- A history of herbalism and herbalists
- An A-Z of herbs and their uses
- Recipes
The introduction covers the world outside the UK, leaving the history section to focus on Britain.
Within the history section, there are sub-headings of:
- Herbalists of the Fourteenth to Seventeenth Centuries
- Herbalists of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries
- Quackery and Hazardous Herbology
- Strewers and Sellers
- Herb Sellers
- Hospitals, Gardens and Stores
- Herb Illustrators
However, the text covers a series of named individuals, such as Nicholas Culpeper, with each one getting a few paragraphs. I think the herbalists are presented in order of birth but, since there are no years of birth or death shown, it’s hard to tell. Also, there is no white space between the mini-biographies or any other indication that we’ve finished with one herbalist and we’re moving on to the next. Although this doesn’t in any way diminish the information Kay is sharing, it does make it much harder for the reader. As with several of Kay’s earlier books, we have impressive research that could have been presented in a much more attractive, reader-friendly manner.
Chapter Two is in two halves: the first looks at the magical elements of herbs and the second looks at the medicinal aspects. That means that we often visit the same herb twice, once to read about its use as an aphrodisiac and once to read that it relieves stomach cramps. I can see why the author did that, but it does make the chapter feel repetitive.
Chapter Three has a lot of recipes in which herbs play a major part. Many are presented in their original language and spelling, including the Anglo-Saxon letter þ, but followed by Kay’s modern translation.
Finally, there are 40+ pages of notes and bibliography. This is a well-researched book and has a lot of interesting stuff but it feels too much like 200 pages of author’s notes rather than a coherent flowing narrative. It would be even better if an editor had spent time on it before publication.
#AHistoryofHerbalism #NetGalley
May 16, 2022
[uncorrected page proofs from NetGalley]
Food historian Emma Kay, author of "A Dark History of Chocolate," turns her attention to herbalism. This title is divided into three parts: a history of herbalism, an encyclopedic exploration of various herbs and their uses & qualities, and a selection of recipes. The galley had an incomplete table of contents. It did however have an extensive bibliography (pages 168-194). I found the first part, the history, a bit dry--it read like a dissertation or pathfinder. If it had not, my witchy friends would have been all over this title. As it is, this title is a pass for my collection--not enough for the witches, the botanists, or the gardeners to make it a worthwhile library purchase. I also think the cover is a bit cheesy. This feels harsh. Maybe I shouldn't write reviews during Blood Moon/lunar eclipse/Mercury retrogrades?
Food historian Emma Kay, author of "A Dark History of Chocolate," turns her attention to herbalism. This title is divided into three parts: a history of herbalism, an encyclopedic exploration of various herbs and their uses & qualities, and a selection of recipes. The galley had an incomplete table of contents. It did however have an extensive bibliography (pages 168-194). I found the first part, the history, a bit dry--it read like a dissertation or pathfinder. If it had not, my witchy friends would have been all over this title. As it is, this title is a pass for my collection--not enough for the witches, the botanists, or the gardeners to make it a worthwhile library purchase. I also think the cover is a bit cheesy. This feels harsh. Maybe I shouldn't write reviews during Blood Moon/lunar eclipse/Mercury retrogrades?
August 8, 2022
A great informative book on Herbalism. A indepth history of plants used for medicinal and cooking. The author goes extra length to give such details and even includes recipes. Perfect guide for learning and uses for Herbalism
June 17, 2023
I have a passing interest in herbalism and learning the uses of herbs. The author has produced an excellent reference book on the subject. She certainly knows her facts and has researched well. It is a book which I found easier to leaf through and land on interesting things rather than read through from the beginning. However it contains fascinating and a bit gory details on the history and uses of herbs. Thanks to Netgalley, Pen & Sword publishers and the author for a great read.
August 8, 2022
My mother taught me to use herbs and I know about the tradition of my hometown. This was an interesting and well researched book that made me learn more and I liked it.
It's well written and compelling even if a bit too fast at times.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's well written and compelling even if a bit too fast at times.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 25, 2022
Not terribly useful, mostly a rehash of things you could find more accurate info on in other books or even Wikipedia. There's some incorrect lore and other problems, so I'd stay away from this as a reference.
January 1, 2023
Definitely something I'll be coming back to as a reference book
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