Years before I had agreed to write a book about herbs I was well aware of the daunting size of the subject and its considerable literature. No group of plants can have been better documented, or for longer. This book, though, makes no claims to be encyclopaedic; it is simply a personal view of the herbs I grow and the pleasure they give me.
While working on the book I have received much kindness and generosity from many gardeners, cooks and herbalists. The staff of both the Lindley Library and Wisley Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society have been patient and helpful. I should particularly like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of several friends. They have photographed gardens, obtained books and recipes and even sent parcels of fresh herbs from as far as Australia, Cyprus, North America, France and Scotland. I thank them all most warmly: Myrtle and Dorinna Allen, Elizabeth Baker, Rosemary Barron, Anna Best, Claire Clifton, Colin Capon, Jeannette and Suzanne Doize, Lisa Kalaydjian, Efterpi Kyriacou, Patsy Guyer, Nevin Halici, Richard Hoskins, Laura Hudson, Allen Lacy, Janette Marshall, Sri Owen, Maro Pambou, Christalla Pantelides, Claudia Roden, Cherry Ripe, Lazaros Sparsis and Julie Toll. Finally my affection and gratitude goes to my husband and children who tirelesly collected information, seeds and plants.