An Ancient Egyptian Herbal - Softcover

Manniche, Lise

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0714117048 ISBN 13: 9780714117041

Publisher: British Museum Press, 1989

Synopsis

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About this title

Synopsis:

The ancient Egyptians were skilled in the use of herbs and spices for medicines, cooking, cosmetics, perfumes and many other purposes. The author draws on texts by the Egyptians and their neighbours, and on works by classical authors and the Copts, to reconstruct a herbal of 94 species of plants and trees, used earlier than the pharoahs and up to the Coptic period. It reveals, for instance, that celery was used as a contraceptive, wild bananas as an aphrodisiac, and juniper berries as cure for asthma. Each plant is named in Latin and English, and, where known, in ancient Egyptian, Greek and modern Arabic. An account follows of the plant's special properties, with authentic recipes for cosmetics and cures. The author also discusses the uses made of herbs and flowers, and the importance of plants for both funerary and festive occasions. Each plate is discussed in detail, and in his introduction, the author explores the changing relationship of the artists with nature and art. His previous books are "Turner's Venice" and (co-authored) "Drawing in England from Hilliard to Hogarth".

About the Author:

Dr Lise Manniche, a leading Egyptologist, is the author of many books, including City of the Dead and Music and Musicians in Ancient Egypt. She also regularly broadcasts on television programmes such as Gardener's World.

About this edition

• Publisher: British Museum Press
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0714117048
• ISBN 13: 9780714117041
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176