The Witch’s Book of Simples by Melusine Draco
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher, John Hunt Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Witch’s Book of Simples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Okay, to be honest I had no clue that this book is about herbs and recipes to treat minor ailments. I clicked on the title and requested it, because I thought this was a book about a minimalistic and simple lifestyle with a flair of the modern witch’s insights.
How wrong I was!
Nevertheless, this is a delightful resource.
The Details
First of all, the author explains what “simples” actually are. This is really helpful, since I would have been completely confused otherwise.
I appreciated the historical overview of simples. It is comprehensive and well researched.
I wasn’t such a big fan of the large quotes the author used to strengthen her points of argument. Some quotes were as long as full paragraph and that really takes the reader out of the text, so to speak.
It also gives me the feeling the author doesn’t think her work and research is as valuable unless it is plastered with other people’s work and resources.
The Witch’s Book of Simples does a very good job in introducing the reader to the concept and preparation of simples. The large quotes just feel unnecessary.
There is also a bit of a jump in focus, for lack of a better term. The book leads from the historical overview of simples to the general recipe and instruction of how to make simples. But then right in the middle we have another section that talks about some historical/biographical point. It confused me. This part should have been added in the first chapter.
Right in the middle of the book there is an annotated bibliography that is a rich resource for further study, but I feel like this should have been added at the end.
I highly appreciated the extensive list of herbs, their scientific and common names, their uses and the warning not to use them, if one is taking certain prescription medication.
The Verdict
Overall, I know some the points above sound like nitpicking and that is probably due to my decade-long education in writing research papers and following strict guidelines to a t.
I did really enjoy The Witch’s Book of Simples and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking to build their own herb garden. If I ever make enough money – or any at all with my reviews – to afford a house with a garden, this would be my go-to resource in starting my little herb apothecary.
