The Poison Diaries by The Duchess Of Northumberland
This beautifully illustrated volume is a facsimile of the journal of "Weed" found at Alnwick Castle. Weed was an orphan boy apprenticed to an evil old apothecary, who used him abysmally. This is his diary, and a sorry tale of the battle between good and evil it is too. Weed’s journal is part botanical workbook and part a diary of his own relationship with the poisonous plants, for he discovers that he is one of a few people with whom the plants can talk. The plants try to persuade Weed that with their help his master can easily be disposed of. Weed at first refuses. However, after his first love, Marigold, experiments with the poisons and dies, Weed is pushed over the edge and eventually plots to kill his master in spectacular fashion, using a taste of his own evil medicine. Each “chapter” of the story starts with Weed making botanical notes of the plants as his master has taught him. The plant’s appearance and properties, where it is found, how it should be cared for, the most poisonous parts, how poison is extracted and administered, etc. These notes are accompanied by sketches of the plants in their natural form. Alongside, however, are Weed’s illustrated “diary” entries which show the “real” personalities of the plants. The poisons include Belladonna, Ergot, Hemlock, Henbane, Opium, Hogweed, Ricin, Nicotinia, Mandrake and Strychnine. This gothic yet entertaining tale will delight both children and adults and also serves as an educational parable.
The Duchess of Northumberland has long researched poison gardens. She is responsible for creating the Poison Garden at Alnwick Gardens, which opened in 2004 to worldwide acclaim and not a little press agitation as she had to get a licence from the Home Office to grow opium and cannabis. The Poison Garden is the culmination of a life goal to teach children and adults alike about the curative and killing propeties of poisonous plants.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781862057319 |
| ISBN 10 | 1862057311 |
| Title | The Poison Diaries |
| Author | The Duchess Of Northumberland |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | HarperCollins Publishers |
| Year published | 2006-09-16 |
| Number of pages | 80 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |