Herbs and the Earth: An Evocative Excursion into the Lore & Legend of Our Common Herbs

Henry Beston. Quiet, scholarly New England writer of the first half of the 20th century, best known for THE OUTERMOST HOUSE - his memoir of a year spent in a little cabin he built at the edge of the sea.on Cape Cod. Beston and his wife moved to a farm in Maine, and there he spent a great deal of time observing the herbs he gathered and planted in his garden, delighting in their sensuous beauties as well as their historical context and mystical qualities. Beston is a good man to know.This was written at the time that various New England writers were rediscovering herbs and introducing them to a wider gardening audience. Beston's book doesn't pretend to be an encyclopedic in scope or scientific im approach. He concentrates on a relatively small number of European herbs and tells their stories.

I wanted to read this book because I read Beston's Outermost House and fell in love with his ability to paint such vivid pictures with his words. This book is an okay read but there is not much lyrical about it. And there is not much information in it for anyone looking to grow their own herbs. It is more like a tutorial on the history of herbs which, in and of itself is well done but doesn't add anything to my knowledge and love of herbs I already grow.

A great read with dollops of philosophy thrown in. He just writes about what he sees and feels. More people need that as their take away from being in and experiencing nature.

I like Beston's writing but he sometimes takes it too far, so it sounds self-conscious and pretentious. I'm sorry I bought this one. Pass it by.

I have always enjoyed Henry Beston and this is not only informative but entertaining. If you find growing things interesting and want to relive before the grocery store youll learn something from this book. May I suggest the hardcover for this book and his others will be read over and over again.

henry beston is a great writer. his style and knowledge of herbs make good reading.

A valuable book for humans on the planet.

There is nothing better than a well-written book by an author who loves his subject.