Weeds: In Defense of Nature's Most Unloved Plants

A great read. I've given it to gardening friends and all have enjoyed reading it. It could do with a bit of a glossary since many of the common weed names may be common in the UK but not in the US. It was fun to learn that charlock is a wild mustard. Who knew?

I like this book very much. It left me wanting to look up every plant mentioned, to study them, to find how they were used by humans before gaining the title of "weed'.

I am and have always been a fan of "weeds". I have studied herbalism, and and have used so called "weeds" and herbs for many things over the years. This is like an epic, family story of weeds, where they started, where to find them. It also goes back to many herbalists and naturalists, including Culpepper and cites sources. Far from being dry and textbook-like, it is witty and interesting and downright fascinating. If you like flowers, wildflowers, herbs or yes, what some people call weeds.. you really need to read this book.recommended.

"Weeds" was a suggested addition to another plant related book I was purchasing, yet I found myself more enchanted by the histories and myths attributed to the plants detailed by Mr. Mabry then the Latin-smothered, dryly detailed book I originally purchased. Well done, sir!

Reminded me of walks with biologists and agro experts. The stories and connections were pleasant surprises to persons like me whose recognition and comments are limited to ideas like, "nice leaf." Much to learn in this book.

I love this book!!! Beautifully written, lyrical, poetic, funny, delightful in every way. For EVERYONE who loves nature and gardening. I even got teary eyed a few times reading the descriptions written by early botanists, poets, artists, etc, and enjoyed looking up the art and photos of the plants on the 'net. Plants are amazingly "human"!Elaine Creaden

I purchased this book after a recent move to the country in which it appeared that nearly everything growing on our ten acres was a weed. After reading Mr. Mabey's book it's clear that I wasn't wrong about my weed assessment, but I now have a better appreciation of their role, and am much less inclined to try to get rid of them all. Indeed I probably couldn't!

I really liked this book, so much so that I found myself talking about it at a party. For me, that is a serious compliment. I had never heard of the author but I'm going to read more of his work, because I feel like a more interesting person (not a joke) and, best of all, the average roadside lot is now a lot more interesting to me! Thank you Mr Mabey.

Very interesting book that gives you some background about the history of weeds. While it did not look at single plants in as much detail as I hoped they would (I was hoping it would also be kind of a reference book, so I could easily find out what uses various weeds have), it is an incredibly amusing read. If you like plants, and gardening, then this book will be quite interesting to you. And very amusing!

What a fascinating book, well written and full of information. Mabey expands upon the idea that weeds are just 'plants in the wrong place, and explains that to some extent they complement plants that we cultivate deliberately.......indeed, even Japanese Knotweed started off as a prized garden plant! Weeds respond to particular circumstances - for instance, Rosebay Willowherb flourished on bomb sites after the Second World War, which is why it was often known as 'bombweed'.

I am very interested in nature and I garden for wildlife. Wildflowers that some people regard as 'weeds' (and that is their right to do so) are the mainstay of the flora in my wildlife garden, along with more 'cultivated' varieties. So to read about where many of these plants originated is fascinating to me. It lets me know I'm on the right track. I'd recommend this book to all those interested in wild plants and wildlife in general. I read it as an ebook on an original Kindle, so probably missed out on any quality illustrations, but this didn't detract from the book.

Ever since reading Flora Britannica I have been a fan of his writing. He combines lots of knowledge with a passion and wit. It makes you think about plans and our relationship with them

This was a great read for anyone interested in British wildlife. Its a beautifully written account of the diverse nature through the year, by a knowledgeable and observant naturalist, who really understands the countryside. It took some serious patience and hardiness to lurk in the cover of a hedgerow (on his own land it's important to note) and watch the world go by. I looked forward to picking up the book (well ipad) each time and was sad that such a wonderful journey had to end.