Medicinal and Other Uses of North American Plants: A Historical Survey with Special Reference to the Eastern Indian Tribes

I was really excited about this book and was expecting analysis. There is barely any analysis or narrative. After a tedious introduction that didn't give much insight into how Native Americans used herbs, the author presents the various native woodland plants in a format like most field guides. After each plant, she lists historical quotes about the herbs and puts tribal names in caps. There are some great quotes. It's a pretty cool reference, and as a lover of native plants, I will keep it. However, I really wanted more on how different tribes used the herbs in everyday life. If it were an e-book or in some digital format, it would be much more useful, because you could search it easily. The index only lists plant names, not tribal names. The Peterson Field Guide is much more to the point and better edited. I'm bummed. Based on the title and reviews, I was expecting an historical, ethnobotanical account of native plant use by Natives. You can get some of that information out after a lot of work and doing your own analysis.*** OK, after having this book for a few weeks, I'm really glad I kept it. It's an amazing reference for identifying and learning about woodland plants. Also, the line drawings are really nice for identification. The author put a tremendous amount of work into this book, and I've been enjoying it. Some of the historical quotes are hilarious. Also, as a note, this is not intended as a guide to making herbal remedies or using native plants as herbal remedies.

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There is no other book like this! I first came across it at the University of British Columbia bookstoer back in 1981 but had failed to obtain a copy of it for my own sake. The book is a profound compendium of ethno-botanical knowledge, thoroughly researched. The book also provides hundreds of references dating back as far as the 16th century. I remembered using quotes and notes from this book for an ethnobotanical presentation I gave in a 4th year biology course at university. My prof. a biochemist, coincidentally had a copy of it his office library. This book is not for the superficial person who wants pretty pictures and recipes. It is for those who really have a serious interest in nature, plants, and human history of their use, and the time to read. It is tedious reading, but fascinating! What makes this book particularly relevant and valuable to me is that is focuses on plant usage by amerindians and settlers in Eastern North America and Canada.

I bought this as a gift for a person who is fascinated by plants. She was thrilled -- the depth of information and the precise usefulness of each plant is fantastic. I can't wait until she starts making medicine!

Simply one of the best and most informative plant use books I've encountered. Each plant is listed with direct quotes from numerous historical documents, some very old, some more modern, some believable, some not, but all fascinating. The compiler did not feel it necessary to add preachy commentary, which is refreshing. A treasure trove of information. I bought this new copy for a friend since my own has my notes and dye-plant stains on it. Practical and entertaining!

would like to have a better idea on how to prepare the plant for medicinal purposes.

great information

It was exactly what I needed. It explains the many uses of the native plants with documentation.

Book arrived as expected, on time and in good condition. There were some markings pointing to the fact that it was once a library copy, but was in great shape otherwise.As for the book it was thorough, informative and insightful. I only with there were more images, or more context. Introduction was superb. Incredibly well researched. Defintely an ethnobotanist treasure trove, and surely not a field guide.. in case you weren't sure.

Very good book for beginners and novice herbalist. Also for information about the plant. Book was very good condition and I recieved it in a mannerly time. Thank you for an amazing book.

The best ever book and the only one you will need, it is like a bible! You will want to read it over and over again. Many stories and folklore to learn.

Love this book

Le livre était en mauvais état, déchiré et ne vaut pas le prix déboursé. Je suis vraiment déçue de l'achat et redoute un prochain achat avec ce distributeur