Lesley Bremness

Not worth keeping I think. In our internet age, I have a simple test for reference books. Does it give me any value-added over the resources on the internet? In the case of this 1990 book, the answer is no. About 100 pages of the 240-page book is an A to Z guide to herbs "inspired by the herbals of John Gerard and Nicholas Culpepper, which were published in over 300 years ago." Each herb features attractive color plates of the plant, stem, leaf, seed, flower with its various uses. But if I look at the page on Basil and its counterpart of the Wiki and other online guides such as Growing Basil, the book loses. Next section of nearly 40 pages is "Cooking with Herbs" and only a few of the recipes ("Persian Chicken with Herbs," "Rosemary cheese fingers") seemed enticing. And after all, what kind of book on cooking with herbs doesn't include a recipe for Pesto or Tabbouleh? I might have been more excited by the chapter "Herbs in the Home" if I were more crafty and excited about making nosegays, potpouri, pomanders and wreaths. I am curious about growing some herbs at home--particularly Parsley, Basil. Again, not seeing that this is beating what I can find online. *Puts in the books to try to sell or give away box*… (more)

Excellent reference book split into three main sections:

1. Herbs in the garden - some word sof advice on planning a herb garden and a few plans and planting plans given (illustrated with full colour sketches).

2. A-Z of herbs - plenty of info on history, cultivation and uses - each entry beautifully illustrated with excellent photos of flowers, leaves, seed, roots and fruit wher appropriate.

3. Using herbs: split down into sections on herbal decorations, culinary herbs, household herbs, hearbs for beauty, essential oils, herbs for health and more info on cultivating and harvesting.… (more)