Leaves in Myth, Magic and Medicine

By Alice Thoms Vitale

A historical herbal encompassing over one hundred ten species of North American leaves explores the superstitions, beliefs, myths, medicines, and poetry attributed to each variety.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1556705549
• ISBN13: 9781556705540
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 351 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.5" x 7.0"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Delightful

"Leaves in Myth, Magic & Medicine" is a delightful book that will bring readers years of pleasure. Like nature itself, the magestic beauty contained within is revealed slowly in layers. More than just a beautiful picture book, the text for each leaf portrait is rich yet concise. "Leaves in Myth, Magic & Myth" is a wonderful monograph to give to naturalists, environmentalists, folklorists, herbalists, family or friends who want to widen their horizons while deepening their appreciation for trees.

Truly unique

This original and unique book was written by an 87 year old retired librarian. Ms. Vitale devoted 30 years to researching and creating this wonderful portrait of leaves. The 110 leaf specimens are all grown in American soil. The author includes fascinating information on tree lore, medicine, botany and so much more. This book brought me hours of pleasure and is also a great reference book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest and love for trees and/or all aspects of nature.

A True Work of Art!

Good Lord, this book is absolutely stunning! What a find! Getting this book as a holiday gift is indeed a good argument for writing an accurate self-description on one's wish list - I said I loved leaves and I got this amazing book which I never even knew existed. The ink autoprints are so finely detailed, it's hard to believe they are really printed off living leaves. Meeting the woman/artist/botanist who so lovingly (obviously) and painstakingly created these prints would be an honor and truly fascinating. This is a case of art imitating yet surpassing nature by making you really SEE and understand its wonder.

Leaves surpasses expectations with its rich descriptions.

110 specimens are the result of Alice Vitale's life-long avocation and work. The leaf drawings are exquisite and each herb is delightfully presented with a smattering of folklore, origins, medicinal uses, quotes and poems. Some very obscure herbs are covered in this compendium.