Scan barcode
alannajane's review
2.0
Very incomplete ARC - rating subjective.
I find it very difficult to review and rate this book, given that the advanced copy sent out to reviewers by the publisher is (just weeks before the publishing date), incredibly incomplete. Much (maybe 1/4) of the text looks like it is being redacted (red lines throughout whole sections), and images and symbols are missing from the vast majority of the entries. It is really hard to know what this book will look like in its final, published form.
After a very brief (two page) introduction stating that the author has very little practical knowledge or experience with herbs other than culinary, the "encyclopedia" portion begins. The majority of the book contains incredibly short, alphabetized entries for hundreds of different herbs - which are obviously primarily academic given the scant experience of the author herself. Each entry contains the scientific name, symbols denoting medicinal/culinary/toxicity use, symbolic meaning of the plant, any associated colour meaning of the plant, component meanings (leaves, stalk, flowers, root, etc), possible powers pertaining to witchcraft, and the folklore associated with the herb in question.
Each entry brings an interesting outlook of each herb cited, and I think that a lot of research has gone into compiling this information. But, frankly, this is not enough. As is, each entry is nothing but a tiny starting point from which to do one's own research and experimentation. There seems to be zero relationship between the author and the compiled information - to the detriment of the entire volume.
Basically, it's cute.
This compilation of "facts" doesn't sing to me. It is vast but not deep. Display-worthy is what the synopsis calls this series. It is seemingly a great resource for those that want to put "witch" in their social media bios. I personally think that both much more information and a personal relationship with the herb in question is required for powerful healing and magicks.
The Goodreads description says that there are two indexes, but as these were not included in the advanced copy either, I cannot review how useful they are.
Much gratitude to the publisher, Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I find it very difficult to review and rate this book, given that the advanced copy sent out to reviewers by the publisher is (just weeks before the publishing date), incredibly incomplete. Much (maybe 1/4) of the text looks like it is being redacted (red lines throughout whole sections), and images and symbols are missing from the vast majority of the entries. It is really hard to know what this book will look like in its final, published form.
After a very brief (two page) introduction stating that the author has very little practical knowledge or experience with herbs other than culinary, the "encyclopedia" portion begins. The majority of the book contains incredibly short, alphabetized entries for hundreds of different herbs - which are obviously primarily academic given the scant experience of the author herself. Each entry contains the scientific name, symbols denoting medicinal/culinary/toxicity use, symbolic meaning of the plant, any associated colour meaning of the plant, component meanings (leaves, stalk, flowers, root, etc), possible powers pertaining to witchcraft, and the folklore associated with the herb in question.
Each entry brings an interesting outlook of each herb cited, and I think that a lot of research has gone into compiling this information. But, frankly, this is not enough. As is, each entry is nothing but a tiny starting point from which to do one's own research and experimentation. There seems to be zero relationship between the author and the compiled information - to the detriment of the entire volume.
Basically, it's cute.
This compilation of "facts" doesn't sing to me. It is vast but not deep. Display-worthy is what the synopsis calls this series. It is seemingly a great resource for those that want to put "witch" in their social media bios. I personally think that both much more information and a personal relationship with the herb in question is required for powerful healing and magicks.
The Goodreads description says that there are two indexes, but as these were not included in the advanced copy either, I cannot review how useful they are.
Much gratitude to the publisher, Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
emmelnie's review
4.0
A compendium crammed full of facts about plants most of us think of in gardens or in food, The Complete Language of Herbs is a blast to dip into. It's got all sorts of details on plants and herbs we think we know. I enjoyed learning about the meanings of herbs; what powers people thought herbs might provide to them, from "insect repellent" to "flexibility"; and how these herbs were thought of as shown through world folklore.
I think this book would be particularly useful to writers wondering how they might be able to take advantage of the myths or powers of herbs in their stories. And it's a great tool for anyone who wants to know about the values herbs can bring to their lives. It's nicely illustrated, with a helpful list of reference works at the end and multiple indexes sorted by common names for herbs, which herbs can be used for cooking, and the powers and abilities you might be seeking from herbs!
I think this book would be particularly useful to writers wondering how they might be able to take advantage of the myths or powers of herbs in their stories. And it's a great tool for anyone who wants to know about the values herbs can bring to their lives. It's nicely illustrated, with a helpful list of reference works at the end and multiple indexes sorted by common names for herbs, which herbs can be used for cooking, and the powers and abilities you might be seeking from herbs!
astraeal's review
informative
slow-paced
3.75
A reference book of more than 500 plants you can find around in the wild or grow yourself. Classed by their scientifical names, each entry also has the plant's common name and other appellations (scientific or common), with an index at the end of the common names. There's also an index of common meanings and powers, which can be especially helpful when you want to look up for herbs that have that meaning.
My favourite part of the book was the folklore and facts part of each entry, I really enjoyed reading all about them, from very old traditions to contemporary uses.
I would say that for a reference book (also indicating if a plant is toxic) quite a few herbs were missing an illustration, which I find bothersome.
My favourite part of the book was the folklore and facts part of each entry, I really enjoyed reading all about them, from very old traditions to contemporary uses.
I would say that for a reference book (also indicating if a plant is toxic) quite a few herbs were missing an illustration, which I find bothersome.
sanjana_datla's review
informative
slow-paced
3.0
An exhaustive and comprehensive reference book on plants and herbs, suitable for both casual enthusiasts and budding green thumbs. The author made a commendable effort to enhance diversity by including herbs from around the world, not just those of significance in the West. It brought me joy to find sections addressing ajwain and wasabi, among other names native to the East.
My curiosity regarding herbs stemmed from my predilection for fantasy and historical fiction. Period books and dramas, as well as fantasy novels, often make references to mythology and local lore surrounding herbs. While I can’t say this book fully satiated that particular quest for mythical connections, it did provide valuable context. Additionally, as someone who loves to cook, I found it surprisingly useful and informative.
fragrant_stars's review
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
4.0
My Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review
I love the cover for this book, for one, and the illustrations are just delightful. I adore reference books and as someone who is really interested in herbology this really was a delight to flip through. If someone gave this to me for Christmas I would be so happy.
I love the cover for this book, for one, and the illustrations are just delightful. I adore reference books and as someone who is really interested in herbology this really was a delight to flip through. If someone gave this to me for Christmas I would be so happy.
maxthedinosaur's review
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
4.75
This book was really informative. It was just different herbs and their names and purposes but I loved seeing all the little plant images and reading what the historical meanings and uses of them were. This would make a very good coffee table book
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Complete Language of Herbs is a book of traditional meanings and uses of herbs and herbaceous plants in the traditional manner of the Victorians. It's a companion volume to S. Theresa Dietz's other encyclopedia with the same theme about flowers. Due out 2nd Aug 2022 from Quarto on their Wellfleet imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback format.
The book has a retro botanical print vibe and the introduction leads directly into a very short 'how to use this book'. The bulk of the book contains an alphabetical listing of the flowers and plants. Each listing contains a color illustration followed by some of the common names for each plant listed, symbolic meaning(s), possible powers, and folklore and facts. The listings are compact and there are 4-6 listings per page. The book includes a nice bibliography and index. The index includes the plants listed with common names alphabetically; the've also included an abbreviated bibliography for further research.
This is an appealing and very pretty book for a somewhat niche audience. It's more useful for readers who are interested in the folklore and historical uses of the plants contained in the listings rather than readers looking for practical culture and modern herbal uses.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Complete Language of Herbs is a book of traditional meanings and uses of herbs and herbaceous plants in the traditional manner of the Victorians. It's a companion volume to S. Theresa Dietz's other encyclopedia with the same theme about flowers. Due out 2nd Aug 2022 from Quarto on their Wellfleet imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback format.
The book has a retro botanical print vibe and the introduction leads directly into a very short 'how to use this book'. The bulk of the book contains an alphabetical listing of the flowers and plants. Each listing contains a color illustration followed by some of the common names for each plant listed, symbolic meaning(s), possible powers, and folklore and facts. The listings are compact and there are 4-6 listings per page. The book includes a nice bibliography and index. The index includes the plants listed with common names alphabetically; the've also included an abbreviated bibliography for further research.
This is an appealing and very pretty book for a somewhat niche audience. It's more useful for readers who are interested in the folklore and historical uses of the plants contained in the listings rather than readers looking for practical culture and modern herbal uses.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
the_sassy_bookworm's review
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is just so beautiful to flip through. Gorgeous illustrations and packed full of information about hundreds of herbs and spices. It is exactly what it says it is...The Complete Language of Herbs is a comprehensive encyclopedia, providing the meanings, powers, facts, and folklore for over 500 herbs and spices. My favorite part (aside from the illustrations) was the addition of the folklore sections. This would make a splendid gift and/or coffeetable book.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This book is just so beautiful to flip through. Gorgeous illustrations and packed full of information about hundreds of herbs and spices. It is exactly what it says it is...The Complete Language of Herbs is a comprehensive encyclopedia, providing the meanings, powers, facts, and folklore for over 500 herbs and spices. My favorite part (aside from the illustrations) was the addition of the folklore sections. This would make a splendid gift and/or coffeetable book.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
fadedbookmarks's review
5.0
This book is stunning. I believe I have another book by with this similar setup and this one didn't disappoint. I was so excited to dive into this one and it was beautiful! I loved all the information here as well as the easy to understand setup of explaining each herb. I need this one on my shelf asap!