“Hidden Natural Histories: Herbs and Hidden Natural Histories: Trees are two wonderful examples of guides that are both accessible and interesting to the layman and expert alike. Both volumes are extremely user-friendly and visually pleasing, with beautifully detailed illustrations of more than 150 different species of trees and herbs. They contain a variety of information, ranging from botanical descriptions to ethnobotanical lore, including such things as the medicinal, culinary, and spiritual uses of the plants. Detailed germination and growing conditions for each plant are also included. As an added bonus, relevant literary or historical quotes are included for many of the plants described. In Herbs, Hurst brings many of the plants we consider commonplace to life. For example, dandelions, a plant considered to be a pest by many, were actually brought to the New World from the Mediterranean. . . . Both volumes are extremely well organized, and both include an introduction, a brief description about how to use the book, glossaries, a catalog of plants, and an index. . . . Informative and eye-opening. They are highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.”

Lyndsie Robinson | Booklist