Plants That Kill: A Natural History of the World's Most Poisonous Plants

This new book on Poisonous Plants is full of excellent quality images. The text is accurate and full of case studies of the toxic effects of plants and explores the chemistry of many poisons that some plants may contain. I have to declare an interest, in that one of the authors has corresponded with me in the past and helped me where possible in my own poisonous plants researches. Dr Dauncey is based at Kew and has spent many years (certainly more than a decade) involved with the identification and effects of poisonous plants in Enland. She has already been a co-author of two volumes linked to this subject concerning plants growing in Britain. However, the remit of this title encompasses plants from all over the world and the large size of the book permits more exploration of the chemistry and groups of compounds found in these sometimes exotic plants. The structure of the book is one of themes and I think the concept works well in illustrating how different toxins can be. They may act on the heart or the brain, or the liver, or other parts of the body. The themes demonstrate the variety of poisons and their differing effects and are frequently biologically and chemically not related at all. So each section of the book can be extremely varied, to make this point. Also, some plants I had not seen in print before, such as the mexican prickly poppy contaminating crops grown to make cooking oil (mustard seed oil) led in 1998 to 3,000 hospitalisations and 60 deaths in one incident. A wide ranging title, that has great photographs and learned content that should interest anyone interested in learning about Poisonous Plants and their roles in nature and communities around the world.

To be read in snippets but very interesting

Very enjoyable, lovely gloss pages and images. Perfect book for anyone looking to begin understanding the world of dangerous plants.

This is a superb hardback detailing the poisonous plants of the world.It is written in a highly readable manner, with accompanying photographs and chemical formulae.The plants are placed into 'chapters' regrading their destructive effects on the human body.This book can be read and enjoyed by the general readership.

Interesting and informative.

Finally a serious and comprehensive book on this subject, yet finely written and understandable to general readership. I'm very satisfied.

Interesting read

Fabulously fascinating book - makes a great gift! Arrived quickly in perfect condition.