In this detailed study of illuminated medieval herbals, based on much new research, the author considers the illustrative traditions represented in the surviving manuscripts produced over a wide area between 512 to 1450. The evolution of the plant illustrations and the introduction of other figurative images are discussed, along with with questions of provenance, production, ownership and function. Arabic and Greek herbals are included. It would be nice if there were more color plates, but there are some, and there are a goodly number of black and white reproductions.