I bought the book in an effort to help out my efforts in my herb garden- a way to keep healthy. I did not anticipate receiving a book that could reeked of cigarette smoke. I had to place the book in a bag with baking soda in my basement. Even though I received the book a week ago, I have not enjoyed it because I have been trying to remove the smell from the book. I liked the price of the book, but it was bittersweet, to say the least.
I liked the fact that this book is very good for the beginner, novice and expert alike, the reader is educated in herbal forklore, mythology and uses in the "modern" world. The pictures are quite useful to help the reader identify the plants. It is an excellent reference book. The only complaint I have is the small print, however not everyone is a weak eyed old geaser like myself. My grandson (age 8) had no trouble seeing, reading and understanding the sections. Now when we walk in the woods he is able to identify the plants also.