My Comments: This was one of my first aromatherapy books, and still remains a favorite. Originally published in Germany under the title Himmlesche D ü fte; it was translated into English in 1990. An over sized paperback with lovely pen and ink sketches of many of the herbs, it contains a full introduction to the 27 essential oils that Ms. FischerRizzi considers the most important. This list varies dramatically from most introductory lists, since she includes Helichrysum, Cistus, Angelica, Hyssop, as well as other less common oils, and omits others that most authorities list as 'basic'.
She was the first auther I ever saw who listed the emotional/mental effects of the oils as well as the physical healing uses of them, and she sparked my interest in emotional healing that exists to this day.
Another unusual feature in her descriptions is a listing of which other oils blend well with the featured oils. The book also contains a good balance of 'suggested uses' for each oil to preformulated recipes to treat various conditions.
My only criticism of the book would be its lack of safety data or warnings where appropriate. It isn't necessarily the first book I would recommend, but it is a wonderful introduction. I highly recommend it.