Poisonous plants : a cultural and social history /

This three-part work by Bevan-Jones (The Ancient Yew, CH, Jan'03, 40-2783) opens with a history of the roles played by poisonous plants in Britain and northwestern Europe. The second, main part of the book, alphabetically organized by plant name, offers essays on the history, toxic properties, and medicinal uses of 43 poisonous plants. The third section focuses on mushrooms and fungi and includes discussions on death cap, liberty cap, fly agaric, and ergot. The volume's three appendixes provide a listing of plants mentioned in early European works, a table and description of 17 poisonous plants not mentioned in the text, and a list of Web-based research tools used by the author. Bevan-Jones also mentions three botanic gardens in Britain that contain poisonous plants. The book is scholarly, profusely illustrated, and a pleasure to read. Includes a glossary and references for further reading. Summing Up: Recommended. Libraries serving lower-division undergraduates, general readers, and professionals/practitioners. L. W. Roberts emeritus, University of Idaho