An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

Excites the interest but not actually that practical, 26 Oct 2005
This is an excellent book but in the wrong package. Richard Mabey does a very good job of giving a seasonal guide to what's out there that you can have for free and does a respectable job of telling you how to use it. It falls short in two respects;

First it is not a comprehensive guide to any particular food source so while he may tell you how to cook ceps and morels and gives a reasonable guide to identifying it without this being a comprehensive guide to fungi you will never be entirely certain that what you have is a cep or a morel. To some extent that is true for everything he shows whether its fungi, nuts or fruit.

The second point is more significant for a book on foraging and is that this edition is simply too big to take into the field. In some ways this isn't a significant problem as because the book isn't comprehensive it wouldn't be the choice to take into the field with you.

This book falls somewhere between the coffee table forager's manual and Delia goes wild. Both of which might sound like criticisms but for someone who hasn't foraged wild food previously both of those would be the ideal starting point. If that's you then buy this book and read it but leave it at home when you go out and get a good field guide to take with you.

Note - since writing that review I have realised that this is available in several editions. Some of the other editions are small enough to use as a field guide.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

Excites the interest but not actually that practical, 26 Oct 2005
This is an excellent book but in the wrong package. Richard Mabey does a very good job of giving a seasonal guide to what's out there that you can have for free and does a respectable job of telling you how to use it. It falls short in two respects;

First it is not a comprehensive guide to any particular food source so while he may tell you how to cook ceps and morels and gives a reasonable guide to identifying it without this being a comprehensive guide to fungi you will never be entirely certain that what you have is a cep or a morel. To some extent that is true for everything he shows whether its fungi, nuts or fruit.

The second point is more significant for a book on foraging and is that this edition is simply too big to take into the field. In some ways this isn't a significant problem as because the book isn't comprehensive it wouldn't be the choice to take into the field with you.

This book falls somewhere between the coffee table forager's manual and Delia goes wild. Both of which might sound like criticisms but for someone who hasn't foraged wild food previously both of those would be the ideal starting point. If that's you then buy this book and read it but leave it at home when you go out and get a good field guide to take with you.

Note - since writing that review I have realised that this is available in several editions. Some of the other editions are small enough to use as a field guide.

American spelling, 15 May 2008
Not good for young readers in the UK.

American book - so color not colour.

Otherwise OK

informative and entertaining, 22 Apr 2006
I bought this book for my 4year old as her class were "doing space" at school. She took it into school one day and the teacher read it to the whole class who apparantly all enjoyed it. My daughter certainly loves it and its helped her rememeber things about the different planets.

A great book - good fun and NOT just for children!, 16 Jun 2004
On the face of it this book is best suited to children up to 7 years old... but it really has a lot to offer ANYONE who doesn't know what the nine planets are and where they are in relation to the sun! My son (almost 8) found it a great read, although he did comment that it wasn't 'exactly' like a 'proper' Dr Seuss... almost though... he still loves it.
I then took it into work where it was well received and two colleagues had learned their planets by the end of lunchtime. Great fun! I'd also recommend 'Inside Your Outside', also by Tish Rabe, we loved it

Ideal for introducing a 4 or 5 year old to the solar system, 29 Jun 2001
I bought this book in the Washington Space Museum - when my 4 year old twins took it to school it became one of the main books used that term to introduce the reception class (age 4/5) to space and the solar system. It's great fun, lots of rhyming, and now my children can recognise each of the planets and tell you the names of the planets in order (Mallory Valerie Ellery Meetzas Just Sold Us Nine-hundred-and-ninety-nine Pizzas!) I'm going to buy a second copy for the school so we can get ours back!

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

Excites the interest but not actually that practical, 26 Oct 2005
This is an excellent book but in the wrong package. Richard Mabey does a very good job of giving a seasonal guide to what's out there that you can have for free and does a respectable job of telling you how to use it. It falls short in two respects;

First it is not a comprehensive guide to any particular food source so while he may tell you how to cook ceps and morels and gives a reasonable guide to identifying it without this being a comprehensive guide to fungi you will never be entirely certain that what you have is a cep or a morel. To some extent that is true for everything he shows whether its fungi, nuts or fruit.

The second point is more significant for a book on foraging and is that this edition is simply too big to take into the field. In some ways this isn't a significant problem as because the book isn't comprehensive it wouldn't be the choice to take into the field with you.

This book falls somewhere between the coffee table forager's manual and Delia goes wild. Both of which might sound like criticisms but for someone who hasn't foraged wild food previously both of those would be the ideal starting point. If that's you then buy this book and read it but leave it at home when you go out and get a good field guide to take with you.

Note - since writing that review I have realised that this is available in several editions. Some of the other editions are small enough to use as a field guide.

American spelling, 15 May 2008
Not good for young readers in the UK.

American book - so color not colour.

Otherwise OK

informative and entertaining, 22 Apr 2006
I bought this book for my 4year old as her class were "doing space" at school. She took it into school one day and the teacher read it to the whole class who apparantly all enjoyed it. My daughter certainly loves it and its helped her rememeber things about the different planets.

A great book - good fun and NOT just for children!, 16 Jun 2004
On the face of it this book is best suited to children up to 7 years old... but it really has a lot to offer ANYONE who doesn't know what the nine planets are and where they are in relation to the sun! My son (almost 8) found it a great read, although he did comment that it wasn't 'exactly' like a 'proper' Dr Seuss... almost though... he still loves it.
I then took it into work where it was well received and two colleagues had learned their planets by the end of lunchtime. Great fun! I'd also recommend 'Inside Your Outside', also by Tish Rabe, we loved it

Ideal for introducing a 4 or 5 year old to the solar system, 29 Jun 2001
I bought this book in the Washington Space Museum - when my 4 year old twins took it to school it became one of the main books used that term to introduce the reception class (age 4/5) to space and the solar system. It's great fun, lots of rhyming, and now my children can recognise each of the planets and tell you the names of the planets in order (Mallory Valerie Ellery Meetzas Just Sold Us Nine-hundred-and-ninety-nine Pizzas!) I'm going to buy a second copy for the school so we can get ours back!

interesting but nothing new, 06 Sep 2008
As said before if you watch his show most of what is in the book will be nothing new, if you are looking for advice on specific problems and how to cure them this is not for you.
It really just goes over cesar's attitude towards dealing with your dog rather than an specifics.
It is nicely written and I did enjoy reading it and it did give me a push to be more confident around my dogs to help influence them which I do feel helps, although I'm not into alpha rolls or choke chains.
If you are looking for the miracle cures you see him do on TV, look somewhere else, like a trainer/behaviourist, but if you already have a dog and don't feel totally incontrol this may give you a bit of a lift to be more confident in their handling.

Not what I thought, 29 Aug 2008
This book is well written for the most part and almost appears to be an autobiography in places which is a plus for Milan fans.

However...

Having tried the techniques on my own dog I realised that they are not for everyone and should not be touted as such.

I also found the book to be more than enlightening on what these techniques ACTUALLY involve, which you dont get to see on the TV.

Unfortunately (and as an ex-fan I mean this whole-heartedly) it did not meet my expectations as a book for training advice, although it is still a good buy if you are looking for life advice or to know more about Cesar himself.

Doggie Style, 14 Aug 2008
I've been an avid watcher of "The Dog Whisper" on The Discovery Cannel for a while, so I was thrilled to read a book by one of my hero's, Cesar Milan. As the proud owner of a pitbull (Topper) I have a vested interest in Ceasr's magic. I used to feel guilty making Topper surrender to my commands. But as pack animals, dogs need and love having boundaries. My dog is not a person. He is a D-O-G who will take the lead, if I don't. I've noticed a shift in my dog's energy since he has started listening to my "calm and assertive" nature. Cesar states that "Dogs live in the moment". My dog has been doing naturally what I've been striving to do all my life.

I've found an easy way to access the moment by reading "How To Create A Magical Relationship" by Ariel and Shya Kane. This engaging and inspiring book effortlessly dropped me into the moment by simply listening. Hey, if my dog can listen, so can I. Enjoy!

Of no practical use, 29 Jul 2008
I was so disappointed by this book that I have given it away to charity. I wouldn't have given it to anyone I know who has an interest in dogs, and I wouldn't recommend it. The information that I was looking for - Cesar's take on how to have your dogs behave as you'd like them to while providing them with a happy and secure life - simply wasn't there. For the few snippets of rather loose and outdated info that were buried in the text, I had to wade through pages of Cesar's self-congratulatory 'look how clever I am and see how well I've done' autobiography, with far too many crass references to his wealthy celebrity clients (does the size of Oprah Winfrey's ranch with its ocean view really matter in a book that I thought was about dog behaviour? I don't think so).

I came away from reading this book with the impression that I - along with every other dog owner - must have unlimited energy, unlimited time and be prepared (just for starters) to get up at the crack of dawn to take my dogs out for a minimum of an hour's exercise (having learned to rollerblade first, of course). The way the book was written made me feel that, as I don't have the energy or think the same way that Cesar does, I may as well forget about being a dog owner as, in his eyes, I'm not up to it. I found that all rather disheartening, but then I realised something - Cesar Milan's views don't apply.

I would recommend 'Think Dog' by John Fisher instead, and I have made a note of the authors recommended by other reviewers for my own further reading (Jean Donaldson and Karen Pryor in particular).

Good read, but nothing new for Cesar fans., 12 Jul 2008
If you are already familiar with Cesar's television programme, The Dog Whisperer, then this book is going to give you very little that's new.

There is a brief insight into Cesar's childhood and his migration to America, though, I must say, some of that seemed a little too convenient for my liking. For example, he claims to have practically walked into a grooming salon in America, owned by two ladies, and got a job, despite barely speaking any English. On the next page, he explains the exact cost of the grooming and how much of a cut he received from each one (50%), and yet, he is completely unable to remember the names of the two women who gave him such a life-changing break in his life. (Therefore we are unable to verify the account.) Of course, this might well be exactly how it happened, but it struck me as to be almost quite the opposite of the way that many of us remember things. I can remember the names of all of my past employers, but I would really struggle to remember my hourly rates of pay at the time, or even my annual salary.

The above criticism notwithstanding, the book is well written, clear and easy to follow. You might consider it as a concentrated guide to Cesar's approach to living with and interacting with dogs. The book does enable Cesar to clarify certain points about his beliefs, and to take the time to add foundation to the sometimes seemingly woolly statements that we often hear him make on his television programmes.

Cesar, to his credit, seems as genuine in his writing, as he appears to be in his television programmes. I came away feeling that whether his statements are right or wrong, they are made with the best intentions. I struggle to believe that the man has an ounce of malice in his entire being.

This book also enables him to state his views on purely positive reinforcement training and trainers. They are a group that often criticise him and his methods. Yet, he seems to remain courteous and respectful of their beliefs, admitting that in some cases, the treat methods may well be the best way forward.

Did the book teach me anything new? No, not really. I've watched his programmes and so there was really nothing new to learn in here.

Did I learn anything new about Cesar? Yes, mainly relating to his childhood, and how he claims that relates to his beliefs on living with and rehabilitating dog. Though, as mentioned previously, I found some aspects of it a little too convenient.

Has it changed my view on Cesar? I've always been a little indifferent to Cesar. I respect the work that he does, and I admire the way that he interacts with people, though I don't really follow his beliefs or practises in my own interactions with dogs. If anything, the book has given me a little more respect for his beliefs, or at least the way in which he has formed them, and how he doesn't stray from them, despite the waves of political correctness crashing against him.

If you're a big Cesar fan, it will help to complete the bookshelf, but really, there's very little in this book that you won't know already.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

Excites the interest but not actually that practical, 26 Oct 2005
This is an excellent book but in the wrong package. Richard Mabey does a very good job of giving a seasonal guide to what's out there that you can have for free and does a respectable job of telling you how to use it. It falls short in two respects;

First it is not a comprehensive guide to any particular food source so while he may tell you how to cook ceps and morels and gives a reasonable guide to identifying it without this being a comprehensive guide to fungi you will never be entirely certain that what you have is a cep or a morel. To some extent that is true for everything he shows whether its fungi, nuts or fruit.

The second point is more significant for a book on foraging and is that this edition is simply too big to take into the field. In some ways this isn't a significant problem as because the book isn't comprehensive it wouldn't be the choice to take into the field with you.

This book falls somewhere between the coffee table forager's manual and Delia goes wild. Both of which might sound like criticisms but for someone who hasn't foraged wild food previously both of those would be the ideal starting point. If that's you then buy this book and read it but leave it at home when you go out and get a good field guide to take with you.

Note - since writing that review I have realised that this is available in several editions. Some of the other editions are small enough to use as a field guide.

American spelling, 15 May 2008
Not good for young readers in the UK.

American book - so color not colour.

Otherwise OK

informative and entertaining, 22 Apr 2006
I bought this book for my 4year old as her class were "doing space" at school. She took it into school one day and the teacher read it to the whole class who apparantly all enjoyed it. My daughter certainly loves it and its helped her rememeber things about the different planets.

A great book - good fun and NOT just for children!, 16 Jun 2004
On the face of it this book is best suited to children up to 7 years old... but it really has a lot to offer ANYONE who doesn't know what the nine planets are and where they are in relation to the sun! My son (almost 8) found it a great read, although he did comment that it wasn't 'exactly' like a 'proper' Dr Seuss... almost though... he still loves it.
I then took it into work where it was well received and two colleagues had learned their planets by the end of lunchtime. Great fun! I'd also recommend 'Inside Your Outside', also by Tish Rabe, we loved it

Ideal for introducing a 4 or 5 year old to the solar system, 29 Jun 2001
I bought this book in the Washington Space Museum - when my 4 year old twins took it to school it became one of the main books used that term to introduce the reception class (age 4/5) to space and the solar system. It's great fun, lots of rhyming, and now my children can recognise each of the planets and tell you the names of the planets in order (Mallory Valerie Ellery Meetzas Just Sold Us Nine-hundred-and-ninety-nine Pizzas!) I'm going to buy a second copy for the school so we can get ours back!

interesting but nothing new, 06 Sep 2008
As said before if you watch his show most of what is in the book will be nothing new, if you are looking for advice on specific problems and how to cure them this is not for you.
It really just goes over cesar's attitude towards dealing with your dog rather than an specifics.
It is nicely written and I did enjoy reading it and it did give me a push to be more confident around my dogs to help influence them which I do feel helps, although I'm not into alpha rolls or choke chains.
If you are looking for the miracle cures you see him do on TV, look somewhere else, like a trainer/behaviourist, but if you already have a dog and don't feel totally incontrol this may give you a bit of a lift to be more confident in their handling.

Not what I thought, 29 Aug 2008
This book is well written for the most part and almost appears to be an autobiography in places which is a plus for Milan fans.

However...

Having tried the techniques on my own dog I realised that they are not for everyone and should not be touted as such.

I also found the book to be more than enlightening on what these techniques ACTUALLY involve, which you dont get to see on the TV.

Unfortunately (and as an ex-fan I mean this whole-heartedly) it did not meet my expectations as a book for training advice, although it is still a good buy if you are looking for life advice or to know more about Cesar himself.

Doggie Style, 14 Aug 2008
I've been an avid watcher of "The Dog Whisper" on The Discovery Cannel for a while, so I was thrilled to read a book by one of my hero's, Cesar Milan. As the proud owner of a pitbull (Topper) I have a vested interest in Ceasr's magic. I used to feel guilty making Topper surrender to my commands. But as pack animals, dogs need and love having boundaries. My dog is not a person. He is a D-O-G who will take the lead, if I don't. I've noticed a shift in my dog's energy since he has started listening to my "calm and assertive" nature. Cesar states that "Dogs live in the moment". My dog has been doing naturally what I've been striving to do all my life.

I've found an easy way to access the moment by reading "How To Create A Magical Relationship" by Ariel and Shya Kane. This engaging and inspiring book effortlessly dropped me into the moment by simply listening. Hey, if my dog can listen, so can I. Enjoy!

Of no practical use, 29 Jul 2008
I was so disappointed by this book that I have given it away to charity. I wouldn't have given it to anyone I know who has an interest in dogs, and I wouldn't recommend it. The information that I was looking for - Cesar's take on how to have your dogs behave as you'd like them to while providing them with a happy and secure life - simply wasn't there. For the few snippets of rather loose and outdated info that were buried in the text, I had to wade through pages of Cesar's self-congratulatory 'look how clever I am and see how well I've done' autobiography, with far too many crass references to his wealthy celebrity clients (does the size of Oprah Winfrey's ranch with its ocean view really matter in a book that I thought was about dog behaviour? I don't think so).

I came away from reading this book with the impression that I - along with every other dog owner - must have unlimited energy, unlimited time and be prepared (just for starters) to get up at the crack of dawn to take my dogs out for a minimum of an hour's exercise (having learned to rollerblade first, of course). The way the book was written made me feel that, as I don't have the energy or think the same way that Cesar does, I may as well forget about being a dog owner as, in his eyes, I'm not up to it. I found that all rather disheartening, but then I realised something - Cesar Milan's views don't apply.

I would recommend 'Think Dog' by John Fisher instead, and I have made a note of the authors recommended by other reviewers for my own further reading (Jean Donaldson and Karen Pryor in particular).

Good read, but nothing new for Cesar fans., 12 Jul 2008
If you are already familiar with Cesar's television programme, The Dog Whisperer, then this book is going to give you very little that's new.

There is a brief insight into Cesar's childhood and his migration to America, though, I must say, some of that seemed a little too convenient for my liking. For example, he claims to have practically walked into a grooming salon in America, owned by two ladies, and got a job, despite barely speaking any English. On the next page, he explains the exact cost of the grooming and how much of a cut he received from each one (50%), and yet, he is completely unable to remember the names of the two women who gave him such a life-changing break in his life. (Therefore we are unable to verify the account.) Of course, this might well be exactly how it happened, but it struck me as to be almost quite the opposite of the way that many of us remember things. I can remember the names of all of my past employers, but I would really struggle to remember my hourly rates of pay at the time, or even my annual salary.

The above criticism notwithstanding, the book is well written, clear and easy to follow. You might consider it as a concentrated guide to Cesar's approach to living with and interacting with dogs. The book does enable Cesar to clarify certain points about his beliefs, and to take the time to add foundation to the sometimes seemingly woolly statements that we often hear him make on his television programmes.

Cesar, to his credit, seems as genuine in his writing, as he appears to be in his television programmes. I came away feeling that whether his statements are right or wrong, they are made with the best intentions. I struggle to believe that the man has an ounce of malice in his entire being.

This book also enables him to state his views on purely positive reinforcement training and trainers. They are a group that often criticise him and his methods. Yet, he seems to remain courteous and respectful of their beliefs, admitting that in some cases, the treat methods may well be the best way forward.

Did the book teach me anything new? No, not really. I've watched his programmes and so there was really nothing new to learn in here.

Did I learn anything new about Cesar? Yes, mainly relating to his childhood, and how he claims that relates to his beliefs on living with and rehabilitating dog. Though, as mentioned previously, I found some aspects of it a little too convenient.

Has it changed my view on Cesar? I've always been a little indifferent to Cesar. I respect the work that he does, and I admire the way that he interacts with people, though I don't really follow his beliefs or practises in my own interactions with dogs. If anything, the book has given me a little more respect for his beliefs, or at least the way in which he has formed them, and how he doesn't stray from them, despite the waves of political correctness crashing against him.

If you're a big Cesar fan, it will help to complete the bookshelf, but really, there's very little in this book that you won't know already.

interesting but smug, 31 Mar 2008
A great read if you can cope with the "heres another one of my friends who owns a wood etc"

A book to savour next to a roaring log (oops!) fire, 29 Mar 2008
Sorry about the pun above, but it's true. This is a large book that deserves a huge armchair, a wee dram and the aforementioned fire.

At last I have got round to reading this, and devoured it over a wet Easter weekend. If ever a book encouraged you to get out there and actually SEE the natural world around you, and APRECIATE it, then this is the one. Sure there are minor criticisms, mainly stylistic, but if you read this in conjunction with his good friend Robert McFarlane's book you will see that this book was (possibly) written under circumstances where the author was unwell, which perhaps leads to the sometimes "bitty" nature of the narrative. But even without eulogising too much over this one, the author's love of the countryside shines through and if the purpose of this book is to put that across and get the reader to think outside their four walls then this surely succeeds.



Inspiring, and inspired, 10 Feb 2008
A lovely book. I came upon Wildwood as a novice, never having read anything by Deakin before - but he is good; he is very good. The book comes in four main blocks: Roots, about his home and youth; Sapwood, on British wood, woods and artists; Driftwood, on his travels in Europe, Australia and central Asia; and Heartwood, back to his home area of Suffolk. Each block comes in short chapters, full of information, insight, and excellent writing. He likes sleeping outside or in an old railway wagon, and links this to writings by Jefferies or Thoreau, recites the beams in his house, or starts talking about an ancient propeller hub in his study and diversifies that into walnut and all its applications, down to Jaguar gear knobs. I could have done without the Australian bits - they just don't resonate for me (hence four stars). But the Kazak and Kyrgyz chapters are wonderful, and more than make up for it. He is never dull - the writing is full of links to the familiar, observations on new insights, fascinating snippets. This is an inspiring book, by an inspired writer.

A Rare, Eccentric Gem, 29 Jan 2008
This is one of those delightful books that you stumble on from time to time that is almost impossible to categorise.

Roger Deakin was a campaigner, writer and environmentalist; he was one of the founding members of Friends of the Earth. He was a true English eccentric. He lived in a house, in Suffolk with a moat - in which he swam regularly. A few years ago he wrote a book that centred on his desire to visit - and to swim in - most of the important bits of water in the UK (and many less important ones as well).

In this book Deakin turns his attention to wood - all things to do wtih wood, wood clearly being one of the passions of his life.

So, Deakin explores woods. He camps out in woods to be at one with the environment and the wildlife. He camps in woods in England and explores woods around the world. But he also turns his mind to other things to do with wood.

There are fantastic articles on driftwood for example, There are pieces on artists who work in wood. There are contemplations on the economic value of wood and how it may yet have a major role to play in creating a sustainable world economy.

Deakin's writing style is fluid, easy to follow and very entertaining. He is both eccentric and funny; a genuinely warm man.

Sadly, Deakin died just after this book was completed. I wonder to what extent this was conceived and put together as a very unique work of love. Still, Wildwood stands as a fine legacy to a superb writer.

I wish I could describe this book more fully but I simply wouldn't be able to do it justice. But if this sounds remotely interesting go and buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Inspiring, and inspired, 16 Nov 2007
A lovely book. I came upon Wildwood as a novice, never having read anything by Deakin before - but he is good; he is very good. The book comes in four main blocks: Roots, about his home and youth; Sapwood, on British wood, woods and artists; Driftwood, on his travels in Europe, Australia and central Asia; and Heartwood, back to his home area of Suffolk. Each block comes in short chapters, full of information, insight, and excellent writing. He likes sleeping outside or in an old railway wagon, and links this to writings by Jefferies or Thoreau, recites the beams in his house, or starts talking about an ancient propeller hub in his study and diversifies that into walnut and all its applications, down to Jaguar gear knobs. I could have done without the Australian bits - they just don't resonate for me (hence four stars). But the Kazak and Kyrgyz chapters are wonderful, and more than make up for it. He is never dull - the writing is full of links to the familiar, observations on new insights, fascinating snippets. This is an inspiring book, by an inspired writer.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

Excites the interest but not actually that practical, 26 Oct 2005
This is an excellent book but in the wrong package. Richard Mabey does a very good job of giving a seasonal guide to what's out there that you can have for free and does a respectable job of telling you how to use it. It falls short in two respects;

First it is not a comprehensive guide to any particular food source so while he may tell you how to cook ceps and morels and gives a reasonable guide to identifying it without this being a comprehensive guide to fungi you will never be entirely certain that what you have is a cep or a morel. To some extent that is true for everything he shows whether its fungi, nuts or fruit.

The second point is more significant for a book on foraging and is that this edition is simply too big to take into the field. In some ways this isn't a significant problem as because the book isn't comprehensive it wouldn't be the choice to take into the field with you.

This book falls somewhere between the coffee table forager's manual and Delia goes wild. Both of which might sound like criticisms but for someone who hasn't foraged wild food previously both of those would be the ideal starting point. If that's you then buy this book and read it but leave it at home when you go out and get a good field guide to take with you.

Note - since writing that review I have realised that this is available in several editions. Some of the other editions are small enough to use as a field guide.

American spelling, 15 May 2008
Not good for young readers in the UK.

American book - so color not colour.

Otherwise OK

informative and entertaining, 22 Apr 2006
I bought this book for my 4year old as her class were "doing space" at school. She took it into school one day and the teacher read it to the whole class who apparantly all enjoyed it. My daughter certainly loves it and its helped her rememeber things about the different planets.

A great book - good fun and NOT just for children!, 16 Jun 2004
On the face of it this book is best suited to children up to 7 years old... but it really has a lot to offer ANYONE who doesn't know what the nine planets are and where they are in relation to the sun! My son (almost 8) found it a great read, although he did comment that it wasn't 'exactly' like a 'proper' Dr Seuss... almost though... he still loves it.
I then took it into work where it was well received and two colleagues had learned their planets by the end of lunchtime. Great fun! I'd also recommend 'Inside Your Outside', also by Tish Rabe, we loved it

Ideal for introducing a 4 or 5 year old to the solar system, 29 Jun 2001
I bought this book in the Washington Space Museum - when my 4 year old twins took it to school it became one of the main books used that term to introduce the reception class (age 4/5) to space and the solar system. It's great fun, lots of rhyming, and now my children can recognise each of the planets and tell you the names of the planets in order (Mallory Valerie Ellery Meetzas Just Sold Us Nine-hundred-and-ninety-nine Pizzas!) I'm going to buy a second copy for the school so we can get ours back!

interesting but nothing new, 06 Sep 2008
As said before if you watch his show most of what is in the book will be nothing new, if you are looking for advice on specific problems and how to cure them this is not for you.
It really just goes over cesar's attitude towards dealing with your dog rather than an specifics.
It is nicely written and I did enjoy reading it and it did give me a push to be more confident around my dogs to help influence them which I do feel helps, although I'm not into alpha rolls or choke chains.
If you are looking for the miracle cures you see him do on TV, look somewhere else, like a trainer/behaviourist, but if you already have a dog and don't feel totally incontrol this may give you a bit of a lift to be more confident in their handling.

Not what I thought, 29 Aug 2008
This book is well written for the most part and almost appears to be an autobiography in places which is a plus for Milan fans.

However...

Having tried the techniques on my own dog I realised that they are not for everyone and should not be touted as such.

I also found the book to be more than enlightening on what these techniques ACTUALLY involve, which you dont get to see on the TV.

Unfortunately (and as an ex-fan I mean this whole-heartedly) it did not meet my expectations as a book for training advice, although it is still a good buy if you are looking for life advice or to know more about Cesar himself.

Doggie Style, 14 Aug 2008
I've been an avid watcher of "The Dog Whisper" on The Discovery Cannel for a while, so I was thrilled to read a book by one of my hero's, Cesar Milan. As the proud owner of a pitbull (Topper) I have a vested interest in Ceasr's magic. I used to feel guilty making Topper surrender to my commands. But as pack animals, dogs need and love having boundaries. My dog is not a person. He is a D-O-G who will take the lead, if I don't. I've noticed a shift in my dog's energy since he has started listening to my "calm and assertive" nature. Cesar states that "Dogs live in the moment". My dog has been doing naturally what I've been striving to do all my life.

I've found an easy way to access the moment by reading "How To Create A Magical Relationship" by Ariel and Shya Kane. This engaging and inspiring book effortlessly dropped me into the moment by simply listening. Hey, if my dog can listen, so can I. Enjoy!

Of no practical use, 29 Jul 2008
I was so disappointed by this book that I have given it away to charity. I wouldn't have given it to anyone I know who has an interest in dogs, and I wouldn't recommend it. The information that I was looking for - Cesar's take on how to have your dogs behave as you'd like them to while providing them with a happy and secure life - simply wasn't there. For the few snippets of rather loose and outdated info that were buried in the text, I had to wade through pages of Cesar's self-congratulatory 'look how clever I am and see how well I've done' autobiography, with far too many crass references to his wealthy celebrity clients (does the size of Oprah Winfrey's ranch with its ocean view really matter in a book that I thought was about dog behaviour? I don't think so).

I came away from reading this book with the impression that I - along with every other dog owner - must have unlimited energy, unlimited time and be prepared (just for starters) to get up at the crack of dawn to take my dogs out for a minimum of an hour's exercise (having learned to rollerblade first, of course). The way the book was written made me feel that, as I don't have the energy or think the same way that Cesar does, I may as well forget about being a dog owner as, in his eyes, I'm not up to it. I found that all rather disheartening, but then I realised something - Cesar Milan's views don't apply.

I would recommend 'Think Dog' by John Fisher instead, and I have made a note of the authors recommended by other reviewers for my own further reading (Jean Donaldson and Karen Pryor in particular).

Good read, but nothing new for Cesar fans., 12 Jul 2008
If you are already familiar with Cesar's television programme, The Dog Whisperer, then this book is going to give you very little that's new.

There is a brief insight into Cesar's childhood and his migration to America, though, I must say, some of that seemed a little too convenient for my liking. For example, he claims to have practically walked into a grooming salon in America, owned by two ladies, and got a job, despite barely speaking any English. On the next page, he explains the exact cost of the grooming and how much of a cut he received from each one (50%), and yet, he is completely unable to remember the names of the two women who gave him such a life-changing break in his life. (Therefore we are unable to verify the account.) Of course, this might well be exactly how it happened, but it struck me as to be almost quite the opposite of the way that many of us remember things. I can remember the names of all of my past employers, but I would really struggle to remember my hourly rates of pay at the time, or even my annual salary.

The above criticism notwithstanding, the book is well written, clear and easy to follow. You might consider it as a concentrated guide to Cesar's approach to living with and interacting with dogs. The book does enable Cesar to clarify certain points about his beliefs, and to take the time to add foundation to the sometimes seemingly woolly statements that we often hear him make on his television programmes.

Cesar, to his credit, seems as genuine in his writing, as he appears to be in his television programmes. I came away feeling that whether his statements are right or wrong, they are made with the best intentions. I struggle to believe that the man has an ounce of malice in his entire being.

This book also enables him to state his views on purely positive reinforcement training and trainers. They are a group that often criticise him and his methods. Yet, he seems to remain courteous and respectful of their beliefs, admitting that in some cases, the treat methods may well be the best way forward.

Did the book teach me anything new? No, not really. I've watched his programmes and so there was really nothing new to learn in here.

Did I learn anything new about Cesar? Yes, mainly relating to his childhood, and how he claims that relates to his beliefs on living with and rehabilitating dog. Though, as mentioned previously, I found some aspects of it a little too convenient.

Has it changed my view on Cesar? I've always been a little indifferent to Cesar. I respect the work that he does, and I admire the way that he interacts with people, though I don't really follow his beliefs or practises in my own interactions with dogs. If anything, the book has given me a little more respect for his beliefs, or at least the way in which he has formed them, and how he doesn't stray from them, despite the waves of political correctness crashing against him.

If you're a big Cesar fan, it will help to complete the bookshelf, but really, there's very little in this book that you won't know already.

interesting but smug, 31 Mar 2008
A great read if you can cope with the "heres another one of my friends who owns a wood etc"

A book to savour next to a roaring log (oops!) fire, 29 Mar 2008
Sorry about the pun above, but it's true. This is a large book that deserves a huge armchair, a wee dram and the aforementioned fire.

At last I have got round to reading this, and devoured it over a wet Easter weekend. If ever a book encouraged you to get out there and actually SEE the natural world around you, and APRECIATE it, then this is the one. Sure there are minor criticisms, mainly stylistic, but if you read this in conjunction with his good friend Robert McFarlane's book you will see that this book was (possibly) written under circumstances where the author was unwell, which perhaps leads to the sometimes "bitty" nature of the narrative. But even without eulogising too much over this one, the author's love of the countryside shines through and if the purpose of this book is to put that across and get the reader to think outside their four walls then this surely succeeds.



Inspiring, and inspired, 10 Feb 2008
A lovely book. I came upon Wildwood as a novice, never having read anything by Deakin before - but he is good; he is very good. The book comes in four main blocks: Roots, about his home and youth; Sapwood, on British wood, woods and artists; Driftwood, on his travels in Europe, Australia and central Asia; and Heartwood, back to his home area of Suffolk. Each block comes in short chapters, full of information, insight, and excellent writing. He likes sleeping outside or in an old railway wagon, and links this to writings by Jefferies or Thoreau, recites the beams in his house, or starts talking about an ancient propeller hub in his study and diversifies that into walnut and all its applications, down to Jaguar gear knobs. I could have done without the Australian bits - they just don't resonate for me (hence four stars). But the Kazak and Kyrgyz chapters are wonderful, and more than make up for it. He is never dull - the writing is full of links to the familiar, observations on new insights, fascinating snippets. This is an inspiring book, by an inspired writer.

A Rare, Eccentric Gem, 29 Jan 2008
This is one of those delightful books that you stumble on from time to time that is almost impossible to categorise.

Roger Deakin was a campaigner, writer and environmentalist; he was one of the founding members of Friends of the Earth. He was a true English eccentric. He lived in a house, in Suffolk with a moat - in which he swam regularly. A few years ago he wrote a book that centred on his desire to visit - and to swim in - most of the important bits of water in the UK (and many less important ones as well).

In this book Deakin turns his attention to wood - all things to do wtih wood, wood clearly being one of the passions of his life.

So, Deakin explores woods. He camps out in woods to be at one with the environment and the wildlife. He camps in woods in England and explores woods around the world. But he also turns his mind to other things to do with wood.

There are fantastic articles on driftwood for example, There are pieces on artists who work in wood. There are contemplations on the economic value of wood and how it may yet have a major role to play in creating a sustainable world economy.

Deakin's writing style is fluid, easy to follow and very entertaining. He is both eccentric and funny; a genuinely warm man.

Sadly, Deakin died just after this book was completed. I wonder to what extent this was conceived and put together as a very unique work of love. Still, Wildwood stands as a fine legacy to a superb writer.

I wish I could describe this book more fully but I simply wouldn't be able to do it justice. But if this sounds remotely interesting go and buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Inspiring, and inspired, 16 Nov 2007
A lovely book. I came upon Wildwood as a novice, never having read anything by Deakin before - but he is good; he is very good. The book comes in four main blocks: Roots, about his home and youth; Sapwood, on British wood, woods and artists; Driftwood, on his travels in Europe, Australia and central Asia; and Heartwood, back to his home area of Suffolk. Each block comes in short chapters, full of information, insight, and excellent writing. He likes sleeping outside or in an old railway wagon, and links this to writings by Jefferies or Thoreau, recites the beams in his house, or starts talking about an ancient propeller hub in his study and diversifies that into walnut and all its applications, down to Jaguar gear knobs. I could have done without the Australian bits - they just don't resonate for me (hence four stars). But the Kazak and Kyrgyz chapters are wonderful, and more than make up for it. He is never dull - the writing is full of links to the familiar, observations on new insights, fascinating snippets. This is an inspiring book, by an inspired writer.

Delightful book, 07 Sep 2008
This more than just a description of a museum. This is also a journey into the history of the natural sciences and a part biography as well. Well illustarted, Richard Fortey describes an institution that is trying hard (and succeeding if the new Darwin Centre is any guide)to move with the times, make science accesible to the public, yet has more going on behind the scenes than we could ever give credit.

Anyone who lives in or visits London should pay more than one visit to this marvelous place, and thanks to this book they will be well briefed as to what goes and has gone on there.

An excellent little book, 18 Jul 2008
This little gem of a book should be in every backpackers back pocket. Concise, focused and descriptive you'll have no trouble identifying the plants and shellfish. There has been some comments about lack of information on animals to eat, this is probably because rabbits, pheasants and such are classed as game and will belong to the landowner. Whilst it's ok to pick a few plants, mushrooms and shellfish it will probably be frowned on if you start blasting away at the countryside or setting traps!

A Handy Pocket Volume, 13 Aug 2007


Richard Mabey is the author of several books on flora and fauna so he is well qualified to write a book such as this. Over one hundred edible plants are featured together with recipes and other culinary information. There is also information on how to pick and when to pick and the regulations on picking which are very important. As I come from farming stock I have to say that food for free does not mean going into a field and digging up a few potato plants or for that matter cabbages.

There are plenty of hedgerow plants available for free, if you are prepared to look for them and suffer the odd few scratches. There is nothing better than a bowl of freshly picked blackberries or raspberries, if you can get them home before they are all eaten.

Plants that are edible are fully illustrated and described and the recipes are both old and new. Other fascinating information is how the plants have been used through the ages. An ideal book for all those who are nature lovers and like the idea of something for nothing. I think the last part covers 99.9% of the population.

Good Introduction, 02 May 2007
I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.
The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.
I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

Excellent pocket sized guide, 05 Feb 2006
This is a 2004 version and worthy addition to the very popular and pocket-sized Collins Gem series. ISBN 0-00-718303-8. Food For Free - A Fantastic Feast of Plants and Folklore.

The book starts with an introduction by the author Richard Mabey. It then has short sections titled 'Roots', 'Green Vegetables', 'Herbs', 'Spices', 'Flowers', 'Fruits', 'Making Jellies and Jams' and 'Nuts'. They include general advice, observations and uses. The main section of the book is given over to identification, with at least two pages per entry. An interesting section follows titled ’Picking Rules’ which gives advice on how to pick correctly how to stay safe. The last section before the main body of the book is a summary calendar which groups the picking times for entries into a colour-coded calendar - very useful as a quick reference.

Every entry is accompanied with a drawing. Most of the drawings are excellent, but one or two are a little small and thus less detailed. Fortunately, almost every entry also has a photograph. The combination of colour drawings and colour photographs is what makes this little pocket book a true 'gem'. If the drawing is a little weak, the photo will be excellent and vice-versa. Almost fool proof.

Each entry starts with the common English name (Latin is in small type at the top of the page)a colour illustration and description. Taking Beech (at random), it says: 'Widespread and common throughout the British Isles, especially on chalky soils. A stately deciduous tree, with smooth, grey bark, to 40m (130ft). Leaves: bright green, alternate, oval. Flowers: male drooping, stalked heads; female in pairs. Fruit: four inside a prickly brown husk, Sept-Oct. When ripe this opens into four lobes, this liberating the brown, three-sided nuts.' The illustration depicts a leaf, spring twig with unopened buds, an opening husk revealing nut inside and bare nut. The article continues with headings; Harvest/Pick, Uses, Beech Nut, Beech Nut Oil, Beech Leaf Noyau. The photo at the end of the entry is a good close-up of a twig with a cluster of husks. (I didn’t know, for example, that ‘fresh from the tree Beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage though much softer in texture’.)

The book, in line with its title, covers Plants and Trees, Fungi, Seaweeds and Shellfish. There is a glossary at the end and a page devoted to further reading. There is a List of Recipes and finally an index of entries in common English or Latin.

There aren't that many books devoted to 'British' wild foods so to find one which lists over 100 edible plants, berries, mushrooms, seaweed and shellfish is most welcome. Given the true pocket size measurements of the Collins Gem series of books, the price of a fiver (£4-99) and the quality of each entry, this is as good as it gets. Obviously not a benchmark reference work or field-guide, but at least this fits in the pocket - which is the main purpose of such books, isn't it? Five stars!

Excites the interest but not actually that practical, 26 Oct 2005
This is an excellent book but in the wrong package. Richard Mabey does a very good job of giving a seasonal guide to what's out there that you can have for free and does a respectable job of telling you how to use it. It falls short in two respects;

First it is not a comprehensive guide to any particular food source so while he may tell you how to cook ceps and morels and gives a reasonable guide to identifying it without this being a comprehensive guide to fungi you will never be entirely certain that what you have is a cep or a morel. To some extent that is true for everything he shows whether its fungi, nuts or fruit.

The second point is more significant for a book on foraging and is that this edition is simply too big to take into the field. In some ways this isn't a significant problem as because the book isn't comprehensive it wouldn't be the choice to take into the field with you.

This book falls somewhere between the coffee table forager's manual and Delia goes wild. Both of which might sound like criticisms but for someone who hasn't foraged wild food previously both of those would be the ideal starting point. If that's you then buy this book and read it but leave it at home when you go out and get a good field guide to take with you.

Note - since writing that review I have realised that this is available in several editions. Some of the other editions are small enough to use as a field guide.

American spelling, 15 May 2008
Not good for young readers in the UK.

American book - so color not colour.

Otherwise OK

informative and entertaining, 22 Apr 2006
I bought this book for my 4year old as her class were "doing space" at school. She took it into school one day and the teacher read it to the whole class who apparantly all enjoyed it. My daughter certainly loves it and its helped her rememeber things about the different planets.

A great book - good fun and NOT just for children!, 16 Jun 2004
On the face of it this book is best suited to children up to 7 years old... but it really has a lot to offer ANYONE who doesn't know what the nine planets are and where they are in relation to the sun! My son (almost 8) found it a great read, although he did comment that it wasn't 'exactly' like a 'proper' Dr Seuss... almost though... he still loves it.
I then took it into work where it was well received and two colleagues had learned their planets by the end of lunchtime. Great fun! I'd also recommend 'Inside Your Outside', also by Tish Rabe, we loved it

Ideal for introducing a 4 or 5 year old to the solar system, 29 Jun 2001
I bought this book in the Washington Space Museum - when my 4 year old twins took it to school it became one of the main books used that term to introduce the reception class (age 4/5) to space and the solar system. It's great fun, lots of rhyming, and now my children can recognise each of the planets and tell you the names of the planets in order (Mallory Valerie Ellery Meetzas Just Sold Us Nine-hundred-and-ninety-nine Pizzas!) I'm going to buy a second copy for the school so we can get ours back!

interesting but nothing new, 06 Sep 2008
As said before if you watch his show most of what is in the book will be nothing new, if you are looking for advice on specific problems and how to cure them this is not for you.
It really just goes over cesar's attitude towards dealing with your dog rather than an specifics.
It is nicely written and I did enjoy reading it and it did give me a push to be more confident around my dogs to help influence them which I do feel helps, although I'm not into alpha rolls or choke chains.
If you are looking for the miracle cures you see him do on TV, look somewhere else, like a trainer/behaviourist, but if you already have a dog and don't feel totally incontrol this may give you a bit of a lift to be more confident in their handling.

Not what I thought, 29 Aug 2008
This book is well written for the most part and almost appears to be an autobiography in places which is a plus for Milan fans.

However...

Having tried the techniques on my own dog I realised that they are not for everyone and should not be touted as such.

I also found the book to be more than enlightening on what these techniques ACTUALLY involve, which you dont get to see on the TV.

Unfortunately (and as an ex-fan I mean this whole-heartedly) it did not meet my expectations as a book for training advice, although it is still a good buy if you are looking for life advice or to know more about Cesar himself.

Doggie Style, 14 Aug 2008
I've been an avid watcher of "The Dog Whisper" on The Discovery Cannel for a while, so I was thrilled to read a book by one of my hero's, Cesar Milan. As the proud owner of a pitbull (Topper) I have a vested interest in Ceasr's magic. I used to feel guilty making Topper surrender to my commands. But as pack animals, dogs need and love having boundaries. My dog is not a person. He is a D-O-G who will take the lead, if I don't. I've noticed a shift in my dog's energy since he has started listening to my "calm and assertive" nature. Cesar states that "Dogs live in the moment". My dog has been doing naturally what I've been striving to do all my life.

I've found an easy way to access the moment by reading "How To Create A Magical Relationship" by Ariel and Shya Kane. This engaging and inspiring book effortlessly dropped me into the moment by simply listening. Hey, if my dog can listen, so can I. Enjoy!

Of no practical use, 29 Jul 2008
I was so disappointed by this book that I have given it away to charity. I wouldn't have given it to anyone I know who has an interest in dogs, and I wouldn't recommend it. The information that I was looking for - Cesar's take on how to have your dogs behave as you'd like them to while providing them with a happy and secure life - simply wasn't there. For the few snippets of rather loose and outdated info that were buried in the text, I had to wade through pages of Cesar's self-congratulatory 'look how clever I am and see how well I've done' autobiography, with far too many crass references to his wealthy celebrity clients (does the size of Oprah Winfrey's ranch with its ocean view really matter in a book that I thought was about dog behaviour? I don't think so).

I came away from reading this book with the impression that I - along with every other dog owner - must have unlimited energy, unlimited time and be prepared (just for starters) to get up at the crack of dawn to take my dogs out for a minimum of an hour's exercise (having learned to rollerblade first, of course). The way the book was written made me feel that, as I don't have the energy or think the same way that Cesar does, I may as well forget about being a dog owner as, in his eyes, I'm not up to it. I found that all rather disheartening, but then I realised something - Cesar Milan's views don't apply.

I would recommend 'Think Dog' by John Fisher instead, and I have made a note of the authors recommended by other reviewers for my own further reading (Jean Donaldson and Karen Pryor in particular).

Good read, but nothing new for Cesar fans., 12 Jul 2008
If you are already familiar with Cesar's television programme, The Dog Whisperer, then this book is going to give you very little that's new.

There is a brief insight into Cesar's childhood and his migration to America, though, I must say, some of that seemed a little too convenient for my liking. For example, he claims to have practically walked into a grooming salon in America, owned by two ladies, and got a job, despite barely speaking any English. On the next page, he explains the exact cost of the grooming and how much of a cut he received from each one (50%), and yet, he is completely unable to remember the names of the two women who gave him such a life-changing break in his life. (Therefore we are unable to verify the account.) Of course, this might well be exactly how it happened, but it struck me as to be almost quite the opposite of the way that many of us remember things. I can remember the names of all of my past employers, but I would really struggle to remember my hourly rates of pay at the time, or even my annual salary.

The above criticism notwithstanding, the book is well written, clear and easy to follow. You might consider it as a concentrated guide to Cesar's approach to living with and interacting with dogs. The book does enable Cesar to clarify certain points about his beliefs, and to take the time to add foundation to the sometimes seemingly woolly statements that we often hear him make on his television programmes.

Cesar, to his credit, seems as genuine in his writing, as he appears to be in his television programmes. I came away feeling that whether his statements are right or wrong, they are made with the best intentions. I struggle to believe that the man has an ounce of malice in his entire being.

This book also enables him to state his views on purely positive reinforcement training and trainers. They are a group that often criticise him and his methods. Yet, he seems to remain courteous and respectful of their beliefs, admitting that in some cases, the treat methods may well be the best way forward.

Did the book teach me anything new? No, not really. I've watched his programmes and so there was really nothing new to learn in here.

Did I learn anything new about Cesar? Yes, mainly relating to his childhood, and how he claims that relates to his beliefs on living with and rehabilitating dog. Though, as mentioned previously, I found some aspects of it a little too convenient.

Has it changed my view on Cesar? I've always been a little indifferent to Cesar. I respect the work that he does, and I admire the way that he interacts with people, though I don't really follow his beliefs or practises in my own interactions with dogs. If anything, the book has given me a little more respect for his beliefs, or at least the way in which he has formed them, and how he doesn't stray from them, despite the waves of political correctness crashing against him.

If you're a big Cesar fan, it will help to complete the bookshelf, but really, there's very little in this book that you won't know already.

interesting but smug, 31 Mar 2008
A great read if you can cope with the "heres another one of my friends who owns a wood etc"

A book to savour next to a roaring log (oops!) fire, 29 Mar 2008
Sorry about the pun above, but it's true. This is a large book that deserves a huge armchair, a wee dram and the aforementioned fire.

At last I have got round to reading this, and devoured it over a wet Easter weekend. If ever a book encouraged you to get out there and actually SEE the natural world around you, and APRECIATE it, then this is the one. Sure there are minor criticisms, mainly stylistic, but if you read this in conjunction with his good friend Robert McFarlane's book you will see that this book was (possibly) written under circumstances where the author was unwell, which perhaps leads to the sometimes "bitty" nature of the narrative. But even without eulogising too much over this one, the author's love of the countryside shines through and if the purpose of this book is to put that across and get the reader to think outside their four walls then this surely succeeds.



Inspiring, and inspired, 10 Feb 2008
A lovely book. I came upon Wildwood as a novice, never having read anything by Deakin before - but he is good; he is very good. The book comes in four main blocks: Roots, about his home and youth; Sapwood, on Bri