‘A modern reference work about the role of herbs, bushes and trees in mythology and in religious and profane rituals and the symbolism derived from that. Many things that seem normal to people in the 21st century once had a deeper meaning. A scientifically sound overview of the knowledge of ritual plants throughout the ages, from a broad perspective and with a critical view on the correctness of the stating of plant species in literature... 1456 pp., 314 colour photos, 250 black and white illustrations. With and extensive footnotes and bibliographic apparatus and an index with thousands of keywords.’ Preceding the large number of plants in alphabetical order, the book contains a piece about how the information was retrieved, an explanation regarding ritual plants in our daily lives, and whether the old symbols, myths and rites are still meaningful, what flower symbolism is, the symbolism of wreaths and crowns and tree symbolism. Moreover, the book contains beautiful photos and a nice, clear drawing of every plant. However, this book contains more than just descriptions of plants and their medicinal possibilities, this book is full of information about a whole range of fields. All plants and herbs are organised in alphabetical order. Each plant has a botanic and cultural window. In conclusion, the use of each plant is discussed, in herbal medicine, folk remedies, cosmetics, agriculture, industry, trades, house, garden and kitchen. Highly recommended for people who ‘have affinity’ with herbs and plants.