Flora Mirabilis: How Plants Have Shaped World Knowledge, Health, Wealth, and Beauty

by Catherine H. Howell

A sumptuous showcase of superb illustrations paired with fascinating stories of botanical exploration and trade through the ages, this book will be an evergreen delight. A collaboration between National Geographic and the world-renowned Missouri Botanical Garden, this book blossoms with legend and lore as it culls the most engrossing mysteries and adventures of plant exploration, science, and discovery and garlands them with astonishingly beautiful illustrations. The pages are abloom with the rich details and engaging allure of beloved flowers, stunning gardens, ancient trees, medicinal herbs, and valuable plants of all varieties from around the world. Unique "plant profiles" chronicle the especially remarkable roles each plant has played in matters of economics, politics, and taste. Illustrated throughout with never-before-published collector's edition reproductions and introduced with an eloquent foreword by Peter H. Raven, president of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this stunning volume will catch eyes and flower in imaginations everywhere.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Plants, Nature, Science, Gardening, Agriculture

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 20, 2009

Reviews

[Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flora Mirabilis truly celebrates the "wonder" of plants.

Even if one only reads the one-page summaries of plants (as indicated by the chapter headings below), it will be enlightening indeed.

Origins
Prehistory-1450
Date Palm, Wheat, Rice, Olive,

Discovery
1450-1650
Black Pepper, Sugarcane, Maize, Citrus, Tulip,

Exploration
1650-1770
Tobacco, Tea, Coffee, Peppers, Cinchona,

Enlightenment
1770-1840
Tomato, Rose, Grape, Cotton, Apple,

Empire
1840-1900
Cannabis, Rubber, Potato, Opium Poppy, Orchids,

Science
1900-Present
Bamboo, Yam and Cacao,

I was also intrigued by the two-page timeline summaries that were organized under the headings:

Knowledge & Science
Power & Wealth
Health & Medicinals
Sustenance & Flavor
Clothing & Shelter
Beauty & Symbolism

These topics were further arranged by location, i.e. The Americas, Europe, Asia & Oceania, and Africa & Middle East.

Not to mention the beautiful layout of the book itself and the gorgeous drawings (at least one per page).

National Geographic Books does it again!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous blend of history, art, and science. Thank you Nat. Geo. and Missouri Botanical Garden!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using illustrations from the popular plant publications of the 1600-1800s, Howell tells a history of how plants have been introduced from various parts of the world into others and changed various cultures through new garden decor, foods, medicines, and other plant products.

The history elements are broad in scope, but still does a thorough job of touching on a vast array of plants that have had great impact on the world through their discovery and trade. While the writing was interesting and informative, I had read several aspects in other things, so what really made this work stand out was the layout and illustrations. I found the illustrations from informative plant books of the past and how those kinds of books had developed to be some of the best aspects of this work. I also liked how the author provided information on how plant illustration is still important today and why. I'll also mention that the edition I was given is printed on beautiful glossy paper giving the book the feel of being a work of art itself. So it is a nice book for art lovers, plant enthusiasts and those curious about the past.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Botany of Desire with more history and more art, this book, a joint effort of National Geo and MoBot (the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the most emotionally effective and visually impressive bot gardens I've ever visited, with a spectacular library and important ongoing research), is both interesting to read and gorgeous to look at. You might not expect so many famous names and drug references in a book about botany. Or you might, if you read a lot of botany. Botany is packed with stories of derring-do, violence, and political intrigue. But regardless, you WOULD expect beautiful illustrations from the likes of Redoute, Catesby, Bateman, Shaw, etc. And those are in here.

BONUS: My old friend Doug Holland, director of the library at MoBot, contributed. His affection for and knowledge of the treasures in his care is evident in his Introduction. Go, Doug!

[Backlist Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I purchased this book I thought I would use it as an occasional reference. After actually sitting down and reading through it I am pleasantly surprised. Not only does it have beautiful illustrations on every page, but the content is fascinating. If you are the type that would enjoy learning where a multitude of fruits and flowers originated from and how important botanical exploration is to the history of mankind, then you will find this captivating.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating details and beautiful illustrations about the history of plants. Yeah, I know, sounds dry, but it isn't Put out by National Geographic and Mo. Botanical Garden so it's the best of both worlds. Should be in every library! Makes a great gift for anyone with an interest in plants and history. Normally I don't read nonfiction but this is just too good.

[Ashley Wold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really pretty book with a lot of good information. However, the way it is organised is awkward and frustrating. One page will be in the middle of a sentence, then the next couple pages will be about something else entirely, then continue on where it left off. It makes no sense to make a book like that.

[AskNezka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated compendium on the plants that we have been using for millennia. Includes basic histories, timelines and lots and lots of illustrations. Great resource with interesting research.

[Leaflet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars just for the illustrations. Lots of interesting plant factoids.

[Alison Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Informative, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated. I loved how this book was organized. A must read for any plant enthusiast.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed at the 100% attention to European histories only, so I do think the title "world knowledge" is a misnomer. But substitute "world" with "Western-European" and we have an excellent overview of plants and their relationships with humans through history. And the collection of illustrations are beautiful.