The Herbalist Almanac — 1927 Edition

Certified Artifact | Wild Island Heritage Collection

Issued in 1927, this Herbalist Almanac stands among the earliest and rarest surviving examples from the golden age of American herbal publishing. Its rich ochre cover — adorned with illustrated woodland scenes and teepee silhouettes — evokes the romanticized imagery of Native herbal traditions that shaped early 20th-century apothecary culture.

Within its pages are recipes of “Indian medicine men,” old-fashioned herbal remedies, lunar planting guides, and folk-weather predictions — a fascinating blend of folk science, practical herbalism, and mysticism. This particular printing bridges the pre-Depression optimism of the 1920s with the enduring appeal of nature-based health and spirituality.

Featuring strong color retention, tight binding, and only minor age toning, this copy remains in remarkably well-preserved condition for nearly a century-old publication.

Certified by Wild Island Trading Company

This artifact has been formally registered within the Wild Island Provenance Registry, catalogued as a Foundational Work within the Herbal Americana series — a cornerstone in the evolution of herbal publishing in the United States.

 Registry ID: WITC-HC-THA27A

Collection Tier: Foundational Work — American Herbal Print History

Condition: Very Good+ — intact, bright cover tones, light edge wear, minimal surface toning.

Unique Identifier

There is a “spot” over the “m” in “men” on the cover, also, a small punched display hole appears at the upper-left corner — The hole remains clean and stable, with no tearing or fraying, providing an identifiable hallmark for provenance verification. 

Historical Significance:

This 1927 edition predates the wide commercialization of patent medicine advertising, preserving the authentic blend of herbal knowledge and community folk medicine that defined early 20th-century herbal publishing. Its focus on moon-based planting and “Indian medicine” reflects the era’s fascination with ancestral wisdom and ecological rhythm — key themes in American herbal folklore.