Synopsis: Illustrated throughout in full color, this indispensable reference work is a complete A-to-Z compendium of aromatics, with extensive information about the origins, properties, uses, and actions of 165 extensive herbs and essential oils. Over 600 photos & illustrations.

Review courtesy of: Sherill Howard Pociecha, Dyndelf Aromatics, Wroclaw, Poland hopo@ii.uni.wroc.pl

Lawless has written what is rightfully regarded as one of the primary reference books for users of essential oils. Beautifully organized and wonderfully easy to use, it is far and away the most frequently-consulted volume in my aromatherapy library.
"Part I: An Introduction to Aromatics" - consists of a concise outline of the history, chemistry and use of essential oils. The brevity of this section makes it perhaps rather dense reading - it makes a better summary/review than a primer for beginners to the field - but a wealth of useful information is packed into these few pages. The heart of the book, though, is "Part II: The Oils". Here Lawless presents 165 essential oils in admirably consistent detail, including each plant's common name, Latin name and synonyms; its description and distribution; related species; traditional and herbal uses; extraction methods; the aroma and appearance of the oil; chemical and safety data; and its safe uses in aromatherapy and in the home. All that's missing are "scratch and sniff" strips!
The order and clarity of the presentation and layout make it very easy to locate the information I need, and this is what makes the book such a treasure to me. For the same reason, the Botanical Index at the back of the book can't be overlooked: By listing the oils by their Latin names *and* various common names in one index, Lawless has vastly simplified my life on many an occasion.
The book also includes an extensive bibliography, a therapeutic index, a general glossary and a section on botanical classifications.
It's only fair to note that the book does not include any recipes for aromatherapy blends (although principles of blending are outlined in Part I); that is not its intended domain. Nor is there any praise or prejudice for any particular oils, treatments or uses (apart from the sensibly cautious safety warnings). What Lawless has aimed for, and beautifully achieved, is a thorough, clear, convenient, "just the facts, Ma'am" presentation of these 165 common and uncommon oils.The book is a boon to anyone who buys, uses and wants to explore essential oils.