   | Deathly compendium of poisonous plants : wicked weeds and sinister seeds Author: Hirsch, Rebecca E. | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
A must for fans of science and history-and also armchair detectives-this entertaining and informative illustrated compendium delves into nature's deadliest plants and their fascinating histories as implements of medicine, warfare, and foul play.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (09/01/24)
School Library Journal (+) (12/13/24)
Booklist (09/15/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (10/00/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 12/13/2024 Gr 7 Up—Hirsch, who has a doctorate in plant biology, offers an enthralling journey into the deadly side of botany. Her captivating guide covers 25 toxic plants in meticulous detail, combining science, history, and real-life horror stories. From well-known poisons like tobacco and poison ivy to the more obscure and lethal mandrake and gympie-gympie, the book is both informative and chilling. Each chapter dives deep into the effects of these plants on the human body, explaining the toxins they harbor in clear, accessible language. The writing remains sharp and engaging; it is never overwhelmed by technical jargon, making the book easy to follow while still offering an intriguing sense of discovery. Hirsch balances science with a conversational tone filled with dark humor, making the often-gruesome subject matter both entertaining and educational. The book's layout is stunning and includes botanical drawings, vivid photographs, and informative sidebars. Bullet lists offer quick, deadly details and surprising facts, keeping readers hooked. Harrowing anecdotes about poison victims, historical references such as the Salem Witch Trails, and information about unintentional poisonings add to its considerable appeal. The author's prologue and epilogue serve as cautionary tales, reminding readers to use the knowledge learned within for good. Back matter includes a glossary, source notes, further reading suggestions, and index. VERDICT This compendium is perfect for science buffs, true-crime lovers, herbalists, and teens drawn to the macabre. A must-have for anyone with a curiosity about nature's most sinister secrets.—Lynne Stover - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 09/15/2024 Promising “myth, mayhem, and murder,” this diabolical botanical guide delivers on all fronts. Hirsch distills her training in plant physiology to potent effect as she walks readers through a lethal garden of 22 plants (and 1 fungus) of infamous repute, including flora such as belladonna, datura, heartbreak grass, the manchineel tree, the opium poppy, and the strychnine tree. Each eight-page entry opens with an alluring, vintage-style illustration, famous quote, and true account of a poisoning. Socrates (poison hemlock) and Abraham Lincoln’s mother (white snakeroot) are among the book’s casualties, as are more recent victims etched in history for their unfortunate demises. Next comes a box of fast facts; an overview of the plant’s appearance, history, and use; a “Bodily Harm” rundown of ill effects, often describing the deadly chemicals at play; and a short list of “Deadly Details.” Deliciously macabre and almost conspiratorial in tone, Hirsch’s coverage is nicely rounded, pulling in traditional uses of many of these plants, some of which have medicinal treatments in small doses. An excellent bibliography and source list draw this sinister offering to a close. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
