Poisonous Plants and Fatal Fungi: The Lore and Lure of Deadly Botanicals

by Sandra Kynes Narrated by Tanya Eby

Overview

Explore humanity's fascination with death through sixty poisonous plants and how they have affected history, magic, warfare, art, and more.

Dispatching people with poisonous plants isn't just an Agatha Christie plot-it began thousands of years ago and continues to this day. Deadly Fascination presents sixty profiles divided into five themes, from classic killers to frightful fungi. Each profile includes the plant's history, folklore, and medicinal uses, as well as how it may or may not be used today.

Though we fear death, we are also drawn to its mysteries. Sandra Kynes feeds our curiosity and dispels common myths, investigating witches and indigenous healers, poisons in popular media, the murky roots of toxicology, and much more. From aconite to poppy to death cap, poisonous plants can attract you like a moth to a flame . . . but don't get too close.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A plentiful compendium of poisonous plants and fungi! From murder mystery to medical history, to folklore and fatalities, Poisonous Plants and Fatal Fungi conveys the allure and intrigue of these powerful botanicals, demonstrating that naturally occurring toxins can also be the source of some of our most important cures. Toxic toadstools and poisonous plants have both repelled and fascinated humans throughout history, appearing in literature, theatre and gardens both macabre and mundane. Poisonous Plants and Fatal Fungi is a collection of these stories, both a reminder of the power of the natural world and a reflection of our own human nature."
—Coby Michael, author of The Poison Path Herbal and The Poison Path Grimoire

Product Details

BN ID:	2940195607968
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	10/08/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged

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