Simone Siviero
About:
Turin 1990. After graduating in philology and herbal technology, he chose to live in the mountains od the Susa Valley, where he works as an environmental hiking guide. (//storieinspalle.it). His publications inlcude: Le rondini di Sparta 82018); L’orto da zero 2019; Valle Susa, camminando fra storia e natura 2020; as well as numerous articles on ethnobotany that have appeared in Erboristeria Domani.
Mitobotanica : Viaggio nel mondo delle piante tra mito e realtà / Simone Siviero. – Minceto | Ge : Temposospeso, 2023. – 194 p. ; 19,5 cm. – (Temposospeso ; 3). – isbn 979-12-81467-02-6.
Why we propose to publish this book:
This book is a fortunate encounter between Greek mythology and contemporary nature reading. Since it describes widespread plants, it can be appreciated throughout Europe.
MITOBOTANICA
a trip into the world of plants between myth and reality. With original and colourful illustrations by Giulia Allasio.
Abstract:
A book that takes the reader on a journey through trees, shrubs and flowers to discover the roots that link them to places and history, science and myths, collective beliefs and personal memories. A journey in which Simone Siviero combines his botanical expertise with his love of etymology and ancient languages, his passion for research with a curiosity capable of finding its way into secret territories at the edge of history. A crossroads of interests, rendered with agile and engaging style.
A look into the book:
Where does a poison come from? Where does this plant, considered to be the most toxic on European soil, come from? It can only come from the underworld or, rather, from the contamination of the earth with something infernal. The myth relates that, having returned from the Garden of the Hesperides, where he stole the golden apples guarded by the nymphs, Heracles, for the last of his twelve labours, must descend into the belly of the earth and pull out its guardian, the hideous dog, the great worm that with three canine throats barks, as Dante put it: Cerberus.” p.8.