I borrowed this book from my library. I think they bought it to fulfill my request -- a Good Thing, to have a significant book like this in the public system. I've admired Samuel Thayer's writing, his insistence on authenticity, and his intelligence for years, and expected great things from his field guide. My expectations were surpassed. This is the definitive field guide to edible wild plants, a life's work, a magnum opus. I think (after my copy which I'm going to order arrives) I can stop buying books about edible wild plants. Update: I went to order at the bookstore *and they had it in stock* so that is the shortest time a book has been on my wishlist ever. ( )