Book Reviews by Librarian Beverly Donaldson
Current Reviews from the Spring 2003 Bulletin.
These books and more are available in the DGC Library. Visit and find something of interest to you.
1001 Questions Answered about Flowers
By Norman Taylor (Dover, 1996)
Acquaints us with flowers
by beginning with flower form (parts of flowers) and how they work.
A question and answer format helps readers satisfy their plant curiosity
including the botanical names and practical advice on planting and cultivation.
A 21-page index helps locate the information in this series which includes
trees, birds, the mineral kingdom and the weather.
Herbs That Work
By David Armstrong (Ulysses, 2001)
Describes herbs considered medicinal, their potential health benefits or inherent dangers, the scientific evidence to support their claims, and the ways they may be used. Much of the information comes from Commission E, the government appointed blue ribbon panel in West Germany formed in 1978 to determine the efficacy or herbal varieties.
The author is a journalist not a physician. He and the publisher caution readers to consult with their care-giver and not to use the information for medical advice. (The information is given so that the reader can learn whether the health claims made for the 480 herbs tested are supported by scientific evidence.)
Be sure to read the introduction. Also, the glossary contains explanations of useful terms, charts, cautions, and a good index.