The Illustrated Herbiary by Maia Toll is a sumptuously illustrated book of plant monographs providing vivid, colorful plant personality profiles. Maia’s interpretation of the plant world is a stunning reminder to all of us that there is more to understand than what the naked eye or science may reveal about these common plants that carpet our footsteps and surround us in infinite beauty.     

This book is lovely and artful but it is not for everyone, which is why we’ve given it a 3.5 star rating. It requires introspection and a willingness to look to the fantastical.