Smithsonian Handbooks: Herbs (Smithsonian Handbooks) (DK Smithsonian Handbook) - Softcover

Bremness, Lesley

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0789493918 ISBN 13: 9780789493910

Publisher: DK, 2002

Synopsis

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution, this accessible, attractive, and detailed handbook combines 1,500 vivid full-color photos with descriptions of more than 700 species. This authoritative, systematic and clear photographic approach marks a new generation of identification guides.

This comprehensive book explains what an herb is, identifies which parts are collected and prepared, and describes different uses for each—from cooking and medicine to beauty treatment, aromatherapy, and crafts. Essential details of the species’ size, habitat, and natural range complete every entry, and a concise glossary explains technical and scientific terms.

Each expertly written entry combines a concise description with annotated photographs to highlight the herb’s distinguishing features and chief uses. Color illustrations show the whole plant or tree in its most typical form, while color-coded bands provide quick reference facts.

The guidebook is authored by Lesley Bremness, writer and presenter of the TV show The World of Herbs, who has studied exotic herbs from all around the world. She is also a gifted organic gardener, having first been “discovered” when she won an herb garden design competition at the Chelsea Flower Show, London.

About this title

About the Author

Lesley Bremness changed careers after winning an herb garden design competition at the Chelsea Flower Show, London. Since that success, she has written and presented her own TV series, The World of Herbs, and has traveled around the world studying exotic and lesser-known herbs. She is the author of several books, including the bestselling Complete Book of Herbs. Lesley is also an avid organic gardener.

From Booklist

This is the thirteenth volume in Dorling Kindersley's authoritative Eyewitness Handbooks, guides to the natural world. Here is probably the most comprehensive guide to herbs ever published; 700 species are covered, augmented by 1,500 color photographs. Each compact entry gives the herb's scientific family and species names; common species name; alternative common name from native regions; physical description; uses; unusual or notable features; habitat; uses; and related species, forms, varieties, or cultivars. Symbols indicate which parts of the plant are used (flower, leaf, root, bark, seed, etc.). The book is divided into six parts: trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals and biennials, vines, and other herbs (including fungi and non-seed-bearing plants). A lucid and informative introduction explains in detail the parts of herbs: leaves and stems; flowers; seeds, fruits, and nuts; roots; bark, woods, and resin; and essential oils. The introduction also offers tips on using herbs in cooking, their healing powers, herbs with other applications, and herb gardens. This visual guide to the world's herbs is a gem; no gardener should be without it. George Cohen

About this edition

• Publisher: DK
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0789493918
• ISBN 13: 9780789493910
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304