The book considers the importance of plants in Tolkien`s conception of Middle-earth. It develops the theme that Middle-earth is our own world
- & will awaken the reader to the connection between the plants of Tolkien`s legendarium & those growing in our gardens & local natural areas of the Northern Hemisphere. It also demonstrates the connection between the various plant communities of Middle-earth & the elven & human cultures that occupy them, including those environments degraded by warfare, industrialization or pollution. The heart of the book is an alphabetical listing, arranged by common names, of all of the plants mentioned in Tolkien`s legendarium; for each of these plants the treatment will include: 1) common & scientific name, along with an indication of the family to which the plant belongs, 2) a brief"e from one of Tolkien`s works in which the plant is referenced, 3) a discussion of the significance of the plant in the context of Tolkien`s legendarium, 4) the etymology relating to both English common name & the scientific name, & where relevant, the name in one or more of the languages of Middle-earth, 5) a brief statement of the plant`s distribution & ecology (along with mention of major species), 6) economic uses, both traditional & current, & 7) an easy-to-understand description of the plant. The book provides guidelines to the use of plant descriptions, & the few technical terms used are carefully defined. Many plants are illustrated by original artwork, in the style of a woodcut print, & most are also represented by one to several photographs (showing their diagnostic characteristics). The description along with an identification key, when used with the illustrations & photos, allow easy identification of each plant, adding to the reader`s understanding & appreciation of Tolkien`s works. A glossary of descriptive terms is also included.