Collins New Naturalist Library (86) – Lichens - Hardcover

Gilbert, Oliver

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0002200813 ISBN 13: 9780002200813

Publisher: Collins, 2000

Synopsis

Lichens are fascinating and beautiful organisms able to colonise a vast range of habitats, including seemingly impossible places such as bare icy mountain tops and sun-scorched coastal rocks. This book discusses all aspects of British lichens, revealing the secrets of their success.

The book begins by looking at how lichens have been used throughout history in medicines, dyes, food and perfumes. It then goes on to describe what lichens are, and how they grow and reproduce. A detailed survey is given of the range of habitats in which lichens can be found: on trees, rocks, heaths and moors, chalk and limestone, mountains, rivers, lakes, the coast, walls and buildings, most famously on churches and in churchyards. Gilbert also discusses the susceptibility of lichens to air pollution, and how they can be used to detect environmental pollution.
The comprehensive, reader-friendly text, over 150 illustrations and 16 pages of colour, combine to make Lichens the definitive work on this subject of great natural history interest.

About this title

About the Author

Currently a Reader in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Sheffield University, Oliver Gilbert has almost 30 years of teaching and research experience within universities. He first became aware of lichens whilst working as a botanist at Malham Tarn Field Centre. This led him to complete a PhD in the subject of lichens and air pollution. He has a special interest in applied and urban ecology, and is the author of numerous research papers and books. He was elected an honorary member of the British Lichen Society in 1996.

From the Back Cover

Lichens are fascinating and often beautiful organisms able to colonise a vast range of habitats, including seemingly impossible places such as bare rock on the top of the highest mountains. This new title in the ever popular New Naturalist series covers all aspects of British Lichens, revealing the secrets of their success.

An introductory chapter looks at how lichens have been used throughout history in medicines, dyes and perfumes. The book then goes on to describe what lichens are, and how they grow and reproduce. A detailed survey is given of the range of habitats in which lichens can be found: on trees, rocks, heaths and moors, chalk and limestone, mountains, rivers, lakes and buildings, most famously on churches and in churchyards. Drawing on his broad experience in this field, Gilbert also discusses how susceptible lichens are to pollution, and how the abundance or otherwise of these organisms is used to detect environmental pollution levels.

Comprehensive text and over 150 illustrations, including 16 pages of colour, combine to make 'Lichens' the definitive work on this subject of great natural history importance.

OTHER TITLES IN THE NEW NATURALIST SERIES

'Ireland: A Natural History' by David Cabot

"Ireland is a monumental reference, near-definitive natural history of this country, a valuable, scientifically-based, professionally-indexed and accessible study."
'THE IRISH TIMES'

"An outstanding reference work as well as a compendium of fascinating detail. It deserves an honoured place on the library shelves of every home and school."
'SUNDAY INDEPENDENT Dublin'

Edition details

• Publisher: Collins
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0002200813
• ISBN 13: 9780002200813
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288