Subject
Plants -- Folklore Books
Best books
Richard Folkard
Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics Embracing the Myths, Traditions, Superstitions, and Folk-Lore of the Plant Kingdom
"Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics" by Richard Folkard is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the myths, traditions, superstitions, and folk-lore surrounding plants throughout different cultures. It provides a comprehensive exploration of how various civilizations have revered and interpreted plants, showcasing their significance in rituals, beliefs, and as symbols of life and death. The opening of the book introduces the concept that ancient peoples viewed trees and plants with a profound sense of reverence, attributing supernatural qualities to them. Folkard sets the stage for an exploration of world trees in various cultures, illustrating how they symbolize life, knowledge, and celestial connections. The introduction hints at a detailed discussion of plants' roles as figures in mythology and religion, presenting a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs surrounding plant life that the author has amassed from his research. Folkard’s preface also mentions his intent to categorize and document the knowledge he has gathered over the years, making the work both a scholarly endeavor and a treasure trove of plant lore.
Rosalind Northcote
The Book of Herbs
"The Book of Herbs" by Lady Rosalind Northcote is a practical gardening handbook written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the various types of herbs, their uses, and their significance across history, with a particular focus on those commonly found in British gardens. Northcote aims to not only educate readers on the cultivation of herbs but also to revive knowledge and appreciation for these plants, many of which have fallen out of favor. At the start of the book, the author introduces the concept of herbs, emphasizing the difficulty in defining what qualifies as a herb. She suggests that herbs encompass aromatic plants suitable for consumption, while acknowledging that some do not fit neatly into this category. The opening portion also hints at the rich historical and cultural significance of herbs, with references to their use in cooking, medicine, and various rituals. Northcote highlights the enduring appeal of herbs and underscores the need for a rediscovery of traditional knowledge associated with these plants, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration that follows.
Benjamin Taylor
Storyology: Essays in Folk-Lore, Sea-Lore, and Plant-Lore
"Storyology: Essays in Folk-Lore, Sea-Lore, and Plant-Lore" by Benjamin Taylor is a collection of essays likely written in the late 19th century. The work aims to bridge the gap between a scholarly understanding of folklore and the interests of the general reader, exploring various myths and cultural stories surrounding nature, particularly as they pertain to human experience and imagination. The essays analyze the origins and meanings of these narratives, offering insights into the interconnectedness of cultures and the shared themes within their mythologies. At the start of the text, the author presents a discussion on the nature of myths, presenting various definitions while expressing skepticism about their interpretations by experts. He critiques the idea that myths merely reflect natural phenomena, suggesting instead that they might stem from collective human imagination and experience. Taylor illustrates his points by referencing popular tales and folklore, emphasizing that these stories, often seen as trivial, carry profound significance and may reveal deeper truths about human nature and cultural history. The opening portion sets a scholarly yet accessible tone for the exploration of folklore as a vibrant field of study.
T. F. (Thomas Firminger) Thiselton-Dyer
The Folk-lore of Plants
"The Folk-lore of Plants" by T. F. Thiselton-Dyer is a scholarly exploration of the relationships between plants and folklore traditions, written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the myriad of beliefs, superstitions, and cultural narratives surrounding various plants, illustrating how deeply intertwined botanical life is with human culture and mythology. The author seeks to provide a systematic summary of these ideas, making the volume a handy reference for those interested in the folk-lore associated with the vegetable kingdom. The beginning of the book introduces the reader to the concept that plants, like humans and animals, are perceived to possess life and spirit. This notion is examined through various cultural beliefs, such as the Ojibway's belief that trees have souls and the reverence given to certain plants in rituals and ceremonies across different societies. This opening sets the stage for further exploration into specific aspects of plant folklore including plant worship, superstitions, and medicinal uses, each chapter promising to illuminate the rich tapestry of connections between humans and the plant world.
Henry Lee
The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary: A Curious Fable of the Cotton Plant. To Which Is Added a Sketch of the History of Cotton and the Cotton Trade
"The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary: A Curious Fable of the Cotton Plant" by Henry Lee is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the mythical legend of the "Vegetable Lamb," which was believed to be a hybrid of plant and animal that bore living lambs as fruit. Lee aims to trace the origins of this fable and connect it to the actual cotton plant, elucidating the misconceptions that prevailed in the Middle Ages. At the start of the book, the author introduces the fable of the "Vegetable Lamb," providing detailed descriptions of this mythological entity as well as its various iterations, including its depiction as both fruit-bearing tree-lambs and living lambs tethered to the ground. Lee discusses how these stories evolved and propagated, starting from ancient historical accounts through the interpretations of medieval writers, leading to what he argues is a distortion of a true botanical phenomenon—namely, the cotton plant. Through this initial chapter, he establishes a foundation for analyzing the interplay between truth, folklore, and the evolution of the myths surrounding the origins of cotton in Western Europe.
Florence Du Cane
The flowers and gardens of Japan
"The Flowers and Gardens of Japan" by Florence Du Cane is a descriptive work focusing on the unique aspects of Japanese horticulture and landscape gardening, likely written in the early 20th century. This book serves as both an introduction to the rich flora of Japan, often referred to as the Land of Flowers, and an exploration of its distinctive gardening principles and practices. It is especially relevant for readers interested in the aesthetic philosophies, traditional gardening styles, and cultural significance associated with flowers and gardens in Japan. The opening portion introduces the concept of Japanese landscape gardening, highlighting its distinctiveness compared to Western gardening styles. The author explains the foundational principles guiding Japanese garden design, such as symbolism, proportion, and harmony with nature. Notably, it emphasizes the aesthetic role of rocks, water, and the careful selection of plants to create serene and reflective spaces. The text draws upon historical influences and invites readers to appreciate the beauty of Japanese gardens, whether vast in scale or charmingly miniature, setting the stage for further exploration of specific flowers and garden types in Japan.
Eduardo Henrique Vieira Coelho de Sequeira
Lendas dos Vegetaes
"Lendas dos Vegetaes" by Eduardo Henrique Vieira Coelho de Sequeira is a collection of mythological tales written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the rich folklore surrounding various plants, using enchanting narratives to explain their significance and origin. Each legend intertwines elements of nature with human emotions, often featuring themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation. At the start of "Lendas dos Vegetaes," the reader is introduced to several captivating stories about different plants, each linked to a specific legend. For instance, the angel Sible is sent to comfort a grieving bride, leading to the creation of moss roses. Another tale recounts how Hercules accidentally turns his powerful mace into a mighty oak tree, symbolizing strength. The opening also features the story of Dakkar, a fakir whose encounter with a mystical plant allows him to conquer sleep. These early legends set the stage for a rich tapestry of narratives that explore the interplay between vegetation and the human experience, captivating the reader with their imaginative depth.
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