This is a detailed guide to medicinal herbs for horses and how they can help in the treatment of a wide range of common ailments. The guide provides an A to Z of common ailments - from allergies to wounds - which can be effectively and safely treated using herbal medicine. It draws on research in herbal medicine as well as in traditional plant-based remedies. Throughout, the author underlines the importance of veterinary consultation, explaining how herbs can be used to complement conventional methods. To provide background information, a materia medica lists the properties of 50 readily obtainable herbs, giving details on habitat, collection, actions and uses, along with folklore and case histories. The author also discusses several non-herbal products, such as vinegar and yoghurt. There are guidelines on how to make herbal preparations, and how to use herbs in compresses and poultices. Advice is given on how remedies are selected and dosages determined, bearing in mind that most herbs take time to bring about a healing reaction. In the final part of the handbook the author describes a range of alternative therapies which can be used alongside conventional or herbal medicine.

South African Battles describes 36 battles spread over five centuries. These are not the well-trodden battlefields of standard histories, but generally lesser-known ones. Some were of critical importance, while some were infinitely curious.

Who, for instance, has heard of the battles of Nakob, Middelpos, Mome Gorge or Mushroom Valley? Who knows about the four black women that Bartolomeu Dias brought with him on his pioneering voyage of exploration? Who knows that there was a significant battle in what is now the Kruger National Park in 1725? Who knows about the military episode where not a shot was fired but which brought South Africa into the Great War? Who knows that Germany once invaded South Africa?

Written in a light, humorous and personal style, each chapter is self-contained, like a short story. They can be read one a night, and mulled over next day with the promise of further enjoyment to come. South African Battles is an ideal bedside book, as well as an engaging travel companion.

But there is also a twist in the tale at the end. Caveat lector, or lectrix!