CONSIDER THE LILIES

The history and symbolism of 39 plants of the Bible, presented with related Bible texts. The dramatic, full-color paintings are the book's most successful aspect. A typical two-page spread presents a graceful arc of dates, figs, and pomegranates that glows with color. Bible texts and retellings are sometimes so abbreviated they are difficult to follow even with brief introductions. Passages include stories of Ruth, David, Jacob and Esau, as well as less familiar selections from Jeremiah, Hosea and Isaiah. Indexes of scriptures and plant names are provided. Plant lore gleaned from botanists and Biblical scholarship is presented in italics: the "lilies of the fields" were probably anemones; and myrrh may refer either to the gum of the Commiphona or of the rock rose; etc. A visual delight which may find an audience with both Bible students and naturalists.