5An engaging and informative study of all the most important trees, fruits, and flowers mentioned in the Bible, identifying the specific species and explaining the message or symbolism behind the texts. The Prologue sets the scene by giving a simple description of the topography and climate of Israel, so that readers--wherever they are--may get a sense of what the place is like. The following sections of the book cover the flora in detail. A wide range of fruits, herbs, nuts, flowers, and trees is covered, from those of major symbolical significance such as the apple and the olive tree, as well as those less prominent like the saffron crocus, but which none the less give a fascinating picture of everyday life in the Holy Land.