Llewellyn's 2008 Herbal Almanac © 2007 Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN
0-7387-0554-3 312 pages Paperback $8.99 (U.S.) $9.95 (Canada)
Every year Llewellyn offers a variety of almanacs, datebooks, and
calendars.
And every year people find some reason to complain about them. If for no
other reason their sheer dependability makes them a worthwhile addition to
your bookshelf.
The basic astrological data (which is traditionally Llewellyn's strong
suit)
is the least of the reasons to buy this almanac. The articles (36 of
them,
in six sections, by 24 separate authors) are the strong suit. I look
forward to this almanac every year, even though I am, by no stretch of the
imagination, an herbalist. In fact, I sometimes use that as a guideline
when reviewing books. If a subject is beyond my areas of comfortable
knowledge (things I trust my memory on, with no urge to verify my memory),
and the book under review doesn't send me to check alternate sources, I
feel
safe in saying that it is a worthwhile addition to the "average" Pagan or
Witch's library.
The articles are divided into six broad categories as they are every year
(Growing and Gathering Herbs; Culinary Herbs; Herbs for Health; Herbs for
Beauty: Herb Crafts; and Herb History, Myth and Love). They cover a broad
spectrum within each of these categories, and there should be something to
appeal to everyone.
The disclaimer about only being a collection of folk knowledge and not
intended for medical use, etc. is the same as it is every year (and as it
must be in this litigious society). I understand and agree with this
disclaimer and with the recommendation to start with small amounts to
check
for reactions.
This is a book to be savored and enjoyed. Don't rush through it. Pick
and
choose. Read an article when you have half an hour to kill. Let the
information seep into you. A simple read-through cannot begin to exhaust
the information contained in this book.
Whether or not you agree with all the information (and I'm betting there
will be an occasional "Are you kidding?" moment for everyone), you should
find some "Aha!" moments as well.
Don't buy this book for the astrological and astronomical data. Buy it
for
the articles.
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