{"product_id":"op-the-poppy-and-other-deadly-plants","title":"OP: The Poppy and Other Deadly Plants","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeymour Lawrence, New York, 1967. Hardcover. Very Good. Second printing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoth girl’s goth girl Esther Baskin (d. 1973) produced two books on dark subjects. The first, \u003cem\u003eCreatures of Darkness \u003c\/em\u003e(1962), tackled nocturnal animals. The second, \u003cem\u003eThe Poppy and Other Deadly Plants\u003c\/em\u003e (1967)—well, that’s self-explanatory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn her preface Baskin says, “The plants discussed in these pages are not like the wily poison ivy, which only causes nasty itching, but rather those which really kill people. And kill them with a fury.” \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing this totally metal introduction are profiles, in no apparent order, of toxic plants. Baskin provides some botanical information, but her interest is more historical and anecdotal, drawing on an array of sources from ancient folklore and classic literature to medical manuscripts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile somewhat meandering, Baskin’s writing is engaging and informative, if only because her personal interest is so palpable. Though she only covers fourteen plants in depth, an appendix of one hundred additional deadly options follows the primary text. Just in case you need options, perhaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs to whether or not this counts as a book on food and drink, we’ll refer to Terry Pratchett: “All fungi are edible. Some are only edible once.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery Good, clean and unmarked. The jacket bears closed tears and light scuffing. Illustrated by Baskin’s then husband, renowned artist Leonard Baskin (1922–2000). Second printing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KNOP","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41487388835973,"sku":"Esther Baskin","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0297\/5046\/0549\/files\/baskin_poppy_and_other_deadly_plants.jpg?v=1768062600","url":"https:\/\/www.kitchenartsandletters.com\/products\/op-the-poppy-and-other-deadly-plants","provider":"Kitchen Arts \u0026 Letters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}