Brother Cadfael's Herbarium

Chronicles of Brother Cadfael

by Robin Whiteman

Brother Cadfael, the much-loved medieval sleuth created by Ellis Peters, is depicted in the "Chronicles" as an enthusiastic gardener and herbalist, often excusing himself from his daily offices to tend the abbey gardens or work in his herbarium. He is also renowned for his great knowledge of plants, especially the exotic varieties he bought back to England from his travels throughout the Christian and Muslim worlds to raise and perfect in his own garden in Shrewsbury. This book recreates Brother Cadfael's herbal kingdom. It details in alphabetical order all the plants and herbs mentioned in the "Chronicles", and offers descriptions of their traditional uses in medieval times.

Genres: Gardening, History, Nonfiction, Reference, Medieval, Nature, Plants

Paperback

First published November 14, 1996

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating Clarification: 4.5 Stars

Lovely, lovely book for anyone who:

- Loves the Brother Cadfael book series
- Enjoys herbals
- Is a fan of coffee-table companion books with pretty, glossy color photographs

Well organized and laid out; easy to read in one short sitting.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good look at a Medieval Monastery Herb Garden via Brother Cadfael, but with roots in the reality of such gardens. Also goes though the herb that would have been grown in these gardens along with the use of the herbs. I was surprised that neither chamomile or oregano were mentioned as Cadfael would have known and used both, but I guess they didn't come up in the series.

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book includes general information about this historical fiction character (disclaimer: I haven't read any of the actual mystery books), as well as abbey gardens, in addition to the herbal guide. This is not comprehensive, but is very appropriate to the time period, includes quotes from the novels, and includes kitchen uses for many of the entries. Only some entries have photos of the plants; illustrations would have been a welcome addition.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have read the brother cadfael books you have read much of this one but I did learn the nine sacred herbs which have power against nine magic outcasts, against nine venoms, against nine flying things, and against the loathed things that over land rove

[Kate]

I picked up Brother Cadfael's Herb Garden, hoping it would be helpful as I looked for medieval herbs, but it was very unclear to me what descriptions of the herbs were drawn from the Brother Cadfael books and what were drawn from medieval sources. This is further complicated as the Brother Cadfael books (per this companion) draw heavily from a Victorian source, which was not what I wanted.

Sadly not of use in my research.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting and full of joy for amateur Medievalists and Cadfael nerds. I enjoyed the emphasis on Medieval plants and the introductory writing that looked at how Benedictine gardens developed. Although I enjoyed the passages from the Cadfael novels, there could have been fewer and they should have all been referenced, so the reader could refer back to the novel if needed. & now I will plant Eglantine and Alkanet in the garden.

[Tim Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother Cadfael's Herb Garden is authoritative without specifically being in the series of the Ellis Peters mysteries (20 novels). The locale and lovely photography/drawings make this a superb coffee-table volume to keep on hand. The editor/commentator brings together ancient-classical data with medieval and modern herb-ology. Not just for botanists / Master Gardeners but for those who love healing and the ecology - Natural world! Read it for your benefit!

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and illustrations, this is a wonderful guide through the workshop and it's contents which he uses throughout the series. I would love his knowledge of plants and the processes to make usable medicines and treatments out of them.

A lovely companion to the books and TV series regardless.

[Debi Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun for any Brother Cadfael followers. Lots of excellent information and lovely photography, not to mention all the quotes from the books. Certainly a great addition to your Cadfael collection.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Cadfael books, and wanted this companion volume for years before buying it. It's lovely, but I would have preferred more pictures of the plants described. Excellent chapters on the history of abbey gardens, herbalist healing, and the setting of the stories.

[Zgardenldy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book.

[Soc Page]

18 herbs and their uses
beautiful book, references to the books that each herb is mentioned.
there are no good pictures that can be used to identify the plants if you are looking for them outside.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are fan of the Brother Cadfael series written by Ellis Peters (real name Edith Pargeter) you might enjoy this volume if you have an interest in botany. This series was based around the time of the Crusades, and the soldiers coming home brought back the healing herbs from the East that were unknown at the time in Europe. All medicines were plant based, and knowledge of botany was essential to healers (no science or doctors as we know them today existed except in the East ). Very interesting aside to a wonderful series.

[Vicki Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book lists all of the plants mentioned in the 20-book series, along with their uses and sometimes a picture. I had no idea there would be so many of them. And I was surprised that chamomile wasn't there, although I'm sure Brother Cadfael grew it - it just didn't come up in his adventures.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrated book dedicated to Edith Pargeter (Ellis Peters) who wrote the wonderful Cadfael books. Descriptions of Cadfael's work as a healer, quotes from the books and other history books, and an A to Z section of all the medieval herbs and plants used by the monk.

[Nightfalltwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is out of print and I actually didn't read it, but if it is connected to Cadfael, then (by default) it is fantastic. Cadfael rocks.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent herb techniques & a good read....throw some sex & it'll be a best seller!

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nicely illustrated and researched book that would be of interest to anyone interested in herbs, medieval monastic life and Brother Cadfael.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one to buy, although unfortunately it seems to be out of print. Excellent quotes from the Cadfael books and historical sources, gorgeous photos, interesting information about herbs.

[Maryo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book on herbs.