Here’s another book from Earthdancer (see Shilajit) and like all their books it covers a mainstream subject in a slightly oblique way. There are 33 different oils mentioned in the Bible and here are 12 that the authors consider to be the most important, including frankincense and myrrh (of course) as well as cassia, myrtle, hyssop and others. The book is printed in colour and there are many photographs of the relevant plants. Each entry quotes the relevant Bible entry, gives a history of the use of that plant, describes its properties and gives suggestions for its use. It’s not a big book but every entry gets straight to the point and there is also general information on oils. On one level it is a book of essential oils but knowing they have been used in sacred settings on such a long-term basis gives them an extra resonance and perhaps even energetic power.

96pp, 191 x 146 mm, Paperback, 2023, RRP £12.99