hi georg,
shaman's apprentice is a great read, about ethnobotany in the amazon and the
impact of "development" on tribal life there. Plotkin's interest in and
commitment to preserving native knowledge of plants and medicine led to a
renewed appreciation for it among the people themselves. Based on the
compendia of info he put together with elderly shamans, none of whom had
native apprentices coming to learn from them, they started teaching classes
to younger native people who realized it has "inherent value." and also it's
just fun to read--enjoy!
Martha