Synopsis
'This is a book to treasure. Lavishly illustrated, lovingly written, globally inclusive...' (Choice).
Hailed on publication as essential reading for anyone interested in plants and gardens, Botanical Riches is now available for the first time in a beautifully produced paperback edition.
The botanical riches of this book are twofold. This is firstly a book about plants themselves, and the story of their exploration, appreciation, introduction and exploitation through the ages. But it is equally about the collective library of books that document this botanical exploration and appreciation of plants, and the history and craft of botanical illustration. Richard Aitken brings his wide expertise in garden history to this highly illustrated book. He traces man's gradual realisation of the potential of plants for medicinal, nutritional, flavouring and decorative purposes from the ancient and classical worlds, through to the Renaissance and the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, to today. Entire mercantile societies revolved around the trade in spices, oils and fruit and vegetables, making those in possession of such natural resources extremely wealthy.
Botanical Riches is magnificently illustrated with some of the world's most glorious engraved, lithographed and hand-coloured botanical illustrations. From the earliest Renaissance herbals to elaborate and beautiful volumes from the golden age of printing, books celebrating plants from far-off lands brought with them a sense of wonder. Botanical Riches relies on the fusion of nature and culture, art, history and botanical observation. Its apt and generous illustrations complement a lively and gripping tale.
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About the Author
Richard Aitken is a writer, architect, curator and historian who has edited the Oxford Companion to Australian Gardens. A founder member of the Australian Garden History Society, He has written and lectured on garden history. He has also prepared conservation plans for gardens in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
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Botanical Riches: Stories of Botanical Exploration
Seller: PAPER CAVALIER UK, London, United Kingdom
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Condition: very good. Gently used. May include previous owner's signature or bookplate on the front endpaper, sticker on back and/or remainder mark on text block. Seller Inventory # 9781848220102-3
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Botanical Riches: Stories of Botanical Exploration
Published by
Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd, 2008
ISBN 10: 1848220103
ISBN 13: 9781848220102
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Softcover
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # wbs9219617931
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Botanical Riches: Stories of Botanical Exploration
Seller: Lavendier Books, Foster, RI, U.S.A.
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Paperback. Condition: As New. Lund Humphries; Burlington, 2008. Softcover. A Near Fine, binding firm, interior and extremities tidy, trace handling/scuff marks to covers, mild edge/corner wear, a nice, clean and unmarked copy in Oversize Wraps. 4to[quarto or approx. 9.5 x 12 inches], 243pp., indexed, bibliography, color illustrations. We pack securely and ship daily with delivery confirmation on every book. The picture on the listing page is of the actual book for sale. Additional Scan(s) are available for any item, please inquire.Please note: Oversized books/sets MAY require additional postage then what is quoted for 2.2lb book. Seller Inventory # SKU1029699