The Physick Garden book + art print

The Physick Garden: Ancient Cures for Modern Maladies
By Alice Smith with Martin Purdy
Published by Francis Lincoln
Hardcover Book
176 Pages
ISBN: 9780711266339
Size: 5.91 in x 7.87 in / 150.00 mm x 200.00 mm

Each signed copy of the book from Alice’s shop will include a foil block art print of the illustration featured on the front cover and other printed goods including cards, postcards, bookmarks and a seed packet.

The intriguing tales of the plants that have been used to heal and cure our bodies. Since the dawn of time, people have used plants as remedies, to both positive and deadly effect. These herbal treatments have become enshrined in folklore, in old wives' tales and in the curious names we have given local species. Many have also found their way into modern medicine cabinets – but not always in the form you would expect.

This book imagines a physick garden of healing plants that have been used across the globe by different generations. But were Italian Renaissance women dicing with death when they dropped belladonna in their eyes? Can comfrey really be used to heal broken bones? And can St John’s Wort scare away more than bad spirits?

Taking you around the body, from the brain to the bowels, The Physick Garden introduces 80 plants with curious medicinal pasts. With surreal illustrations and lively tales, this book will show that sometimes there is method in the madness.

*** Shortlisted for the Global Healthcare Illustration Awards ***
*** Shortlisted for the V&A Illustration Awards (adult non fiction category) ***