Botanical Riches: Stories of Botanical Exploration - Softcover

Richard Aitken

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848220103 ISBN 13: 9781848220102

Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd, 2008

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.

About this title

Product Description:

Since the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, scientists have been intrigued by the nutritional, medicinal and decorative potential of plants. Societies have revolved around the trade in spices, fruit and vegetables, and fortunes have been made from it. Illustrated with historical engravings, lithographs and hand-coloured botanical illustrations, this volume celebrates the investigation, appreciation and exploitation of plants through the ages, the lives and adventures of the plant-hunters, and the books that document their discoveries.

Review:

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2007 'This is a book to treasure. Lavishly illustrated, lovingly written, globally inclusive...Readers will find some wonderfully compelling cultural-botanical juxtapositions... Representations of plant forms are stunningly presented ... Maps, garden flowers, floras, and portraits of botanists round out the visual feast, all of it accompanied by readable, informative text. Essential. All levels.' -Choice 'A lush treat at an encouragingly modest price.' Historic Gardens Review ' ... an engaging and thoughtful treatment of many important works in the botanical art canon ... the real stength here lies in [Aitken's] remarkable aptitude for synthesis and narrative fluidity ... [his] text admirably leads the reader effortlessly through time and locales ... Richard Aitken deserves much praise for his poise and evenhandedness ...'. Huntia 2007 'A series of wonderful colour illustrations bound into a beautifully designed and produced volume at an exceptionally reasonable price, make this book a must have for anyone interested in plants and gardens.' Art News Letter

About this edition

• Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1848220103
• ISBN 13: 9781848220102
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256