Reviews

..."The Natural History of Medicinal Plants" demystifies as well as summarises the current state of knowledge on this sometimes confusing and controversial topic...Makes a wonderful read. -- Barbara S. Arter "American Gardener" (03/22/2001)

'Fascinating' is the only appropriate word for this.

A fascinating and informative science history of plant-base medicine, how people have learned the applications of such medicine, and why plants developed curative properties

An authoritative, reader-friendly overview of this subject . . . an excellent introduction to an exciting field of study. -- Lori D. Kranz "Bloomsbury Review" (05/29/2001)

Both the lay reader and the scientist will get engaged by the clear and documented style of Dr. Judith Sumner. -- Ernesto Gianoli "Economic Botany" (02/13/2001)

Fascinating. -- Marty Figley "Michigan Observer and Eccentric" (03/29/2001)

If you are interested in medicinal plants, this will be a fascinating addition to your library.

Informative and scientific, yet easily pulls the reader through the history of medical botany, beginning with prehistory.

It has a simple layout with a great deal of clearly written information and the occasional black and white line drawing tucked up in the copy. -- Rene Burrough "Herbs Magazine" (10/01/2001)

It is an excellent text for anyone with an interest in plants or medicine, but is intended for a lay audience.It would be an excellent addition to teachers' and libraries' shelves. -- James E. Mickle "American Biology Teacher" (09/25/2001)

Judith Sumner...provides the lay reader with a wealth of information on the natural pharmacy of plant medicines.

Nobody claiming an interest in medicinal plants can consider himself well informed if he has not read this book and taken its profound teachings to heart. -- John F. Swenson "Chicago Botanic Garden" (09/29/2001)

One of the best histories available on the use of plants in medicine.

Provides an appreciation of the special place that all plants occupy in our world. -- Lynette Walther "Palatka Daily News" (08/07/2004)

She eschews the encyclopedic approach to her subject and instead presents historical accounts of how people and even animals came to understand the healing properties of plants.

Students will appreciate this excellent introduction in a fascinating research field.

Sumner has written an accessible account perfect for the layperson. . . . [A] great book to continually go back to and find out something new and interesting about medicinal plants. -- David Daehnke "Gardening Guru" (02/18/2002)

The current interest in medicinal plants makes this book especially valuable. -- John van de Water "Newark Star-Ledger" (11/26/2000)

The hidden chemistry of flora is revealed in this accessible introduction to the world of medicinal plants.

The writing within bares all the wisdom of a historian, botanist, and enthusiast of a subject whose time has come...This book should attract a wide readership and deservingly so. -- Kevin Janni "Sida, Contributions to Botany" (03/28/2000)

This book is a highly readable and informative resource that discusses the foundations of botanical medicine and contemporary concerns for safety and efficacy in the context of a public eager to participate in their own health care. -- Nina L. Etkin "Quarterly Review of Biology" (12/10/2001)

This book will fascinate anyone interested in plants, particularly those professionally involved with herbs. -- Deni Brown "Gardens Illustrated" (03/22/2001)

This is an easy to read book that will appeal to almost anyone interested in plants as medicine.

This is an excellent book, explaining some of the magnificent facets of nature. -- David Schiller "Making Scents" (11/29/2001)

This new book . . . provides one of the best histories available on the use of plants in medicine.

Written for the layreader, "The Natural History of Medicinal Plants" will inspire a greater appreciation of the vast natural pharmacy of plant medicines.