The Book of Herbs

"The Book of Herbs" by Rosalind Northcote is an instructional guide offering insight into the world of herbs and their cultivation. The book looks at different kinds of herbs and what they're used for, especially those often found in British gardens. Northcote wants to teach people how to grow herbs and also spark a renewed interest in these plants. The book starts by talking generally about herbs, explaining that it can be hard to say exactly what counts as one. It suggests that herbs include fragrant plants that you can eat, even though some herbs don't really fit that description. The beginning of the book also mentions the long history and importance of herbs in different cultures, like how they've been used in cooking, medicine, and ceremonies. Northcote shows how herbs have always been appealing and emphasizes that we need to relearn old knowledge about these plants.