The Book of Garlic

...you should acquire this title. It's encyclopedic in scope on the topic of garlic, and L.J. Harris has a lively writing style and a passion for the subject that keeps it from ever becoming stuffy or long-winded. Health Quarterly described him in their review as "kindly, mischievous and talented". Included are chapters on references to garlic in the Talmudic and Mohammedan traditions and quotes from Pliny and Virgil that are surprisingly contemporary in their points of view about health and society. Herbalist and culinary traditions from China and India are represented, as are the viewpoints of the British (alliophobic) and the French (alliocentric, depending on geography and politics). Literary lore, folk medicine, herbalist tradition, and culture & politics all contribute to this very readable volume. My two favorite recipes were Puerto Rican Garlic & Egg Soup, and Nancy's Artichoke Pie.