Herbs: A Global History (Edible)

Wonderful writing on a great subject. The book is just long enough for each herb to be described with substance, good stories, and elegant drawings of the herbs. A beautiful, classy hard-cover book.

A concise and entertaining overview of the history of herbs, with lots and lots of very nice illustrations, many from historical herbals, and in color. A terrific starting point for those interested in the history of herbs and herb lore, from an historical (and culinary) POV.

I was given this book as a gift in recognition of my constant "herb" textured cooking, inspired by my Iranian heritage. And at first glance I loved the design of the book. How disappointing to see an Africa dedicated section and an Asia dedicated section, with the Middle East including Iran/Persia completely absent, regions renowned historically for gardens, for east/west cultural and cuisine-related trade exchanges, and in the case of Persia to this day a cuisine where ne'er a repast passes through even the most humble of cook's hands, without an enchanting infusion of herbs. My trouble is not that this author should be compelled to speak on the Middle East, Pliny exclusively even, is awesome, anytime, but simply that the work should not be subtitled "A Global History;" there readers from regions where herbs are emblematic of their cuisines, may feel conspicuously omitted.

With Herbs: A Global History, Gary Allen offers readers an erudite and informative treatise on the history of the use of herbs. Although most of the book concerns European culinary aspects of herbs, Allen also includes some highly fascinating comments on herbal use in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. One particularly beguiling chapter - "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Plants" - tells the tale of herbal migration, of how certain herbs crossed the great oceans, and made their way into the pots and pans of cooks thousands of miles away. The wonderfully comprehensive bibliography allows the curious reader to dig deeper into the subject of herbs. Most of the colorful photographs were taken by the author and come from Allen's keen artistic sense. A perfect gift for any cook, at any time of the year, Herbs: A Global History includes a number of tantalizing recipes as well. Basil-scented strawberries, anyone?

This was a fascinating read that shed anew light on what you see as you open the cupboard. If you like food - lit, history, travel or all three this is a great book for you.

I love all of Gary Allen's books. He's entertaining but informative. Herbs is a great read, too, and the illustrations are gorgeous. I loved finding out interesting facts like basil was once considered vile and dangerous and that marijuana was used instead of hops to make beer! I'll regard my collection of herbs with new respect and awe after reading this delightful book.

Excellent little book