Those who seek out the land of the Greeks with their souls also like to nourish their bodies a la Greek. In the homeland of Homer, Sophocles, and Plato, where historical-cultural treasures and Mediterranean flair are part of everyday life, the love of good food is an integral element of the culture. This volume of Culinaria leads us from the banquet tables of ancient symposia to the sophisticated arrangements of haute cuisine in the metropolises as well as the simpler fare enjoyed by fishermen, farming families, and shepherds. Naturally, wine, olives, sheep's cheese, fish, and fruits play an important role in Greek dishes. This sensual journey across the mainland and the islands provides a view behind the scenes of Greek culinary culture for fans of this country, in which the Orthodox Easter celebration is just one of the highlights. More than 1,300 colored illustrations on 460 pages as well as numerous authentic recipes make even reading this book an experience for the palate.

The "land where lemons bloom" was already a fascinating travel destination long before Goethe identified it as such. The grand culture and varied landscapes of Italy have attracted and inspired artists and writers of every epoch. Since the time of classic "educational trips" to the ancient sites of the Apennine Peninsula, ever-increasing numbers of travelers have developed an affinity to this country and the ars vivendi of its inhabitants. Indeed, the simple and yet ingenious Italian cuisine has become the expression of countless visitors' approach toward life. In 496 pages and more than 1,200 color photographs, Culinaria Italy introduces not only kitchen and cellar, but also the land and people who reside between the Alps' peaks and the pointed toe of the Italian "boot". More than 380 time-tested recipes from every region of the country ensure that a feast for the palate can follow the stimulating reading pleasure.

Spain - its cuisine is as colorful as the country is large. While to the north the traditions of the wandering herdsmen are still maintained and tracking dogs search out truffles, exotic fruits that entered the country with the Arabs flourish in the south. This Culinaria title whets your appetite to explore Spain with all your senses. It describes an incomparable panorama of cultural and culinary traditions, as well as an overview of the most important winegrowing regions of the land. Its 488 pages and more than 1,200 photographs clearly illustrate how landscape, climate, and various cultures have left their mark on the diverse cuisine of the country - from Alboraya in the Levant to Zaragoza in the north, from the omnipresent garlic mayonnaise alioli to zamburina mussels. More than 200 recipes drawn from every region ensure that the fascinating reading also becomes a feast for the palate.

Part cookbook and part encyclopedia, this enormous book is a vibrant celebration of American regional cooking and cultures. Candid shots of the foods, markets, delis, and restaurants of every region are a splendid reminder of the diverse heritage of the United States. From New Orleans's vibrant French markets famous for Creole tomatoes, okra, and sweet potatoes to the state fairs of the Midwest, where giant corn dogs and pumpkins the size of houses are all the rage, Culinara is a fascinating waltz across America's palate.

Typically, each chapter is introduced with a look at the region's quintessential crops and foods—apples, berries, and cheese in the Northwest; oranges, olives, asparagus, and avocados in California. Dispersed among color photographs and a feast of food and drink wisdom are recipes inspired by each region's specialty. A simple recipe for Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms makes good use of California's succulent vegetables; Oregon Trail Soup, a dish brimming with buttery beans, evokes a feel for the Great Plains, campfires, and cowboys! Neatly balanced within each chapter are recipes and commentaries on both classic cooking and ethnic cooking. In the Pacific Northwest, Japanese sashimi (raw fish) is all the rage in Seattle's thriving international district. Just down the road, traditional freshwater salmon is a favorite at the city's oldest food market, the Pike Place Market. Snippets of history, recipe ideas, and inspiration accompany each locale, whether in Seattle, New York, or a far-flung Midwestern homestead. This is an excellent and all-encompassing guide to the foods and culinary history of the United States. —Naomi Gesinger

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic

The Classic Guide to Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic

Practice an ancient magic that is both natural and powerful—the elemental Earth magic of rock, stone, and metal. This comprehensive and clear guidebook by Scott Cunningham has introduced over 200,000 readers to the secrets of over 100 gems and metals.
Learn how to find and cleanse stones and use them in divinations, spells, and tarot readings. Discover how to determine the energies and stories contained within each stone, and the symbolic meanings of a stone's color and shape. Also included in this classic guide are:  
• A 16-page full-color insert, new with this edition
• Birthstone and jewelry magic lore
• Tables listing both planetary and elementary rulers of stones, magical intentions, and magical substitutions

Do you work magic with herbs? Do you use them in spells, for talismans or simply use their innate powers? If you don't have Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, you need to get it right away. This book has become a classic in its field. Paul Beyerl, a respected author on herbs calls it "…an essential reference book by students of herbalism and magick alike … Scott's personable charm touches every page… I highly recommend this book." And Jeanne Rose, famous author of books on herbs and developer of an herbal course says "I love books like this … It is accessible, easy to read, and with its encompassing index (all too often neglected), simple to use as well." Over 200,000 people already have this book and use it frequently.
In this edition of the book (it's expanded and revised on the 15th anniversary of original publication) you will find the magical properties and folklore of over 400 herbs! You'll also find lists of herbs based on their magical powers, their genders, their planetary rulers, and more. Perhaps the most important list is the folk name cross-reference. With that information, when a recipe calls for "bramble, " you'll know it needs blackberry. Or if the magic calls for "enebro," you'll know you that is juniper.
The main part of this book is the listings of the herbs. Each one includes names, associations, and magical attributions. Violets can be used for protection, luck, love, and more. Primrose is for protection and love. Garlic is for protection, healing, exorcism, lust, and prevention of theft.
This book is considered a classic. It is probably consulted more than any other book on this subject. If you want to learn the secrets of magical herbs, this book is a must!