Grete Herball

The Grete Herball, Title Page, 1526

Grete Herball is one of the earliest printed herbals in the English language. It was first published in 1526 by Peter Treveris, a printer based in Southwark, London. The book is a translation of a French work, which itself was derived from earlier Latin texts. The full title of the book is "The grete herball whiche geveth parfyt knowlege and understandyng of all maner of herbes and theyr gracyous vertues."

Content

The Grete Herball is a comprehensive guide to the medicinal properties of plants. It includes descriptions of various herbs, their uses, and the ailments they are believed to cure. The book is organized alphabetically by the names of the herbs, making it easy for readers to find specific plants.

Illustrations

The Grete Herball is notable for its woodcut illustrations, which depict the various plants discussed in the text. These illustrations were an important feature, as they helped readers to identify the plants accurately.

Historical Context

The Grete Herball was published during a time when herbal medicine was a primary form of healthcare. Physicians and apothecaries relied heavily on herbals for information about the medicinal uses of plants. The book reflects the medical knowledge and botanical understanding of the early 16th century.

Influence

The Grete Herball had a significant impact on the field of botany and medicine in England. It was widely used by herbalists and medical practitioners and contributed to the dissemination of botanical knowledge. The book also influenced later herbals and botanical works.

Legacy

Today, the Grete Herball is considered an important historical document. It provides insight into the medicinal practices and botanical knowledge of the early 16th century. Copies of the book are held in various libraries and museums, where they are studied by historians and researchers.

See Also

• Herbal
• Botany
• Herbal medicine
• Peter Treveris
• Woodcut