In The Complete Language of Herbs: A Definitive and Illustrated History, S. Theresa Dietz lists in dictionary format over 500 examples from a wide variety of herbal plants with medicinal, culinary and other cultural uses over history.

While the narrow definition of a herb limits the class to small seed-bearing perennials, Dietz employs a much wider and more inclusive range, extending from commonly-known flowering plants to trees, bulbs, grains, and several fruits and vegetables. I was particularly chuffed to see that the Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) merited a listing!

While there are references to propagation and practical applications, the emphasis is very much on the symbolic meanings and the cultural/spiritual history of each of the listed plants. While I'm not a big user of homemade herbal concoctions or wearer of talismans, I found this information absolutely fascinating. Each entry is also illustrated with an appealing painted image, also the work of author / artist S. Theresa Dietz. I'm presuming that the beautiful cover art, which I'll admit is what first drew me to this title, is also the author's work.

The Complete Language of Herbs: A Definitive and Illustrated History is helpfully rounded out by a list of all the culinary herbs referenced in the book, and two indexes - the first listing plants by their common names, the second by their meanings and powers. Indexing by botanical name would perhaps also be welcome, as common names vary so widely around the world.

The Complete Language of Herbs: A Definitive and Illustrated History is a comprehensive and engrossing guide for those interested in botany and the cultural history of plants. It's a worthy companion to S. Theresa Dietz's earlier work, The Complete Language of Flowers: A Definitive and Illustrated History.

My thanks to the author / illustrator, S. Theresa Dietz, publisher Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press, and NetGalley UK for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful and fascinating book in advance of its publication on 9 August 2022.