Botanical Riches: Stories of Botanical Exploration

by Richard Aitken

'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. 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.

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2007

Genres: Interior Design, Art, Gardening

243 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007