For 20 years, Rebecca Alexander was a mainstay of the Elisabeth C. Miller Library staff. Rebecca retired at the end of June 2025, but before she went, I asked about her favorite books in the Miller Library collection. I was not surprised that the list of books “that have made a lasting impression” she provided was extensive and quite varied. Many are in her personal collection.
I was most surprised by a book unfamiliar to me: “The Garden of Life: An Introduction to the Healing Plants of India” by Naveen Patnaik. This 1993 publication was in Rebecca’s personal collection before she joined the Miller Library.
It introduces the millennia-old Ayurveda, or “Knowledge of Life” tradition, featuring 70 of its sacred plants. Each are illustrated by Indian artists created specifically for this book. This style of Indian miniature paintings is a strong interest of Rebecca’s, and she has found this book valuable when answering questions about the uses of plants.
Reviewed by: Brian Thompson on May 23, 2025
Excerpted from the Summer 2025 issue of the Arboretum Bulletin