Death in the Garden: Poisonous Plants & Their Use Throughout History

Death in the Garden explores the history of poisonous plants and their uses across time. Mankind has long been drawn to these plants, which have served multiple purposes: removing garden pests, eliminating rivals and unfaithful partners, treating ailments, functioning as dangerous cosmetics, and acting as perceived aphrodisiacs. Some historical uses derive from a medieval text not yet translated into English. The book covers how shamans and priests employed poisonous plants for magical purposes—to predict the future or communicate with gods. It examines specific cases, including how basil concealed a murder, explores the mandrake's mysteries, and includes a riddle written by Jane Austen for her family whose answer is one of the plants discussed. Through these accounts and others, the book details the defensive and deadly characteristics of these plants, the facts surrounding them, and the folklore that has developed around them.