Publication date UK format 7/12/21 audio time 7hrs 15 mins Book 257 Pages
I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this to read and review all my reviews are honest.
Synopsis
Discover the folklore and history of our most toxic plants through this beautifully produced, gorgeously illustrated compendium. “If you drink much from a bottle marked ‘poison,’ it is almost certain to disagree with you, sooner or later.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland In both history and fiction, some of the most dramatic, notorious deaths have been through poisonings. Concealed and deliberate, it’s a crime that requires advance planning and that for many centuries could go virtually undetected. And yet there is a fine line between healing and killing: the difference lies only in the dosage! In Botanical Curses and Poisons, Fez Inkwright returns to folkloric and historical archives to reveal the fascinating, untold stories behind a variety of lethal plants, witching herbs, and funghi. Going from A to Z, she covers everything from apple (think of the poisoned fruit in “Snow White”) and the hallucinogenic angel’s trumpet to laurel, which emits toxic fumes, to oleander (a deadly ornamental shrub), with each plant beautifully illustrated by the author herself. This enthralling treasury is packed with insight, lore, and the revealed mysteries of everyday flora—including the prevalence of poisoning in ancient Rome, its use in religion and magic, and common antidotes—making this perfect for gardeners, writers, folklorists, witches, and scientists alike!
My Review
This is such a fascinating book. It is packed full of very interesting facts and beautiful sections from history. From old stories, poetry and more. All sorts of amazing facts about plants from around the world including information about curses, poison etc about each plant. I listened to the audiobook and narrator was just so perfect. Her voice showed great passion creating a fantastic atmosphere. What I loved the most was that we got to travel the world which reading this book. There was also some very shocking stories about people who didn't know how deadly some plants actually are. My favourite story had to be a women who bought a bracelet and then became very sick causing a worldwide problem. I was totally amazed by the amount of fantastic stories there seemed to be no stone unturned here. It seems so well researched. I Don't even think one fascinating fact was even missed. I really do recommend reading this book.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating this extremely fascinating book that I learnt so much from. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Where you can buy this book
Amazon US HC $15.29 , AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLE
Waterstones HC £12.99
B&N HC $16.99, AVAILABLE ON AUDIOBOOK
Kobo Audiobook £14.38
Amazon UK available on Audible, HC £11.04
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HAPPY READING