I enjoyed this book, especially as it is written for an Australian audience. Though, interestingly, most of the forageable plants described are introduced species which have often outcompeted and overwhelmed the local plants. (Prickly pear being one of the classical examples). After reading the book I have become much more conscious of the weeds around me. Even today I found myself eying off a particularly succulent looking blackberry nightshade and wondering if it was ok to eat. Unfortunately, I live in a heavily contaminated part of Sydney (from lead especially but also from other pollutants and toxic materials).....so I'm reluctant to actually eat anything local.
I remember buying a package of "greens" that were foraged by somebody who was selling them at a local farmer's market and we ate them as a salad. (Mixed feeling about the salad.....not bad but not brilliant either).
But the book, overall, is pretty good. A limited range of species but enough information about each to, more or less, identify the right plant and further information about how to eat it. Also includes some interesting looking recipes. Nicely illustrated. I was interested in the description of the prickly pear as I recall them being heavily used in Mexico. The authors say to cut off the spines of the leaves though I recall the Mexicans burning them off. (I can't actually recall whether this was for feeding to stock or for human consumption...though I do recall eating the leaves and they were rather like green beans..though a little slimy like okra).
Anyway, quite an enjoyable book and easily warrants four stars from me. ( )