plants

The editorial note in this guidebook states that "The tourist library series aims at presenting concise, authoritative and unbiased information on various phases of Japanese culture, old and new."

This particular guidebook, one of a series published by the Japan Travel Bureau over several decades, invites the reader to explore the proud heritage of Japanese garden design. It reflects pride in the natural beauty of the islands, as well as the skill, sensitivity, and insight of the local gardeners.

Plants of the Gods is a richly illustrated, encyclopedic study of psychoactive, i.e. hallucinogenic, plants. It explores the plants’ science – the characteristics and chemistry – as well as the history, culture, and significance of each. For millennia, societies around the world have valued the beneficial qualities of their native flora, and many have revered those plants recognized to have spiritual and psychic effects. This is fascinating ethnobiology, relating botany to religion, folklore, rituals, and art.

This charming and lovely limited first edition (number 748 of 1500 numbered copies) is considered a classic in the field. Louise Beebe Wilder, an important figure in American gardening history, was greatly influenced by renowned British gardener Gertrude Jekyll. Wilder’s description of plants and her designs and artistry are still relevant to today's gardeners. Wilder writes about the seasons during one year in her garden at Balderbrae in Pomona, New York, which she and her husband purchased in 1910.