This is a mesmerizing natural and cultural history of a mostly despised and avoided plant, that takes us on a journey through fairytales and unknown historical documents, literary texts, ambitious projects and many interestinc facts. Why was Jeanne d‘Arc forced to wear a nettle garment? Why are nettles to be found in the interior of nowaday‘s cars? Why do nettles increase the harvest of fruit trees? 2000 years ago nettles were considered aphrodisiacs. One could write a whole cook book about this strange plant, of which the most modern would be a nettle smoothie. Stinging nettles can be a painful experience but have had a huge comeback after being almost forgotten for centuries. This beautifully illustrated book helps us to reconsider them for what they are: One of the most fascinating and useful plants we know.
Ludwig Fischer, born in 1939 in Leipzig, was a professor for literature and medias at the university of Hamburg. He is a theoretician of nature and landscape, a writer, a gardener and a herbs expert.
By the same author(s)
"When I had read through this book 'Nettles' from beginning to end with fervour, I felt sorry afterwards for every nettle I had weeded in my life."
- Annemarie Stoltenberg, NDR Kultur
