The botanist's library. 2024. illus. (col.). 272 p. gr8vo.

From the earliest manuscripts penned by visionary naturalists to the modern tomes that continue to shape our understanding of the plant kingdom, this book is a testament to the tireless dedication of the world's greatest botanists. Its compelling narrative and visual journey make it a must-have addition to the library of anyone fascinated by the beauty and complexity of the plant kingdom.

This complete guide traces the development of botanical science through era-defining publications, covering:

Historia Plantarum, the first history of botany, written between c. 350 BC and c. 287 BC in which Theophrastus described plants by their uses, and attempted a biological classification based on how plants reproduced to the authors of the herbals of the 16th century

Brunfels, Fuchs, Bock and Mattioli, who regarded plants as the vehicles of medicinal virtues

The golden age of the 18th- and 19th-century flower hunters who travelled to every corner of the world in search of new and exotic plants

Today’s most significant works of botanical reference


Each chapter delves into the pages of a seminal work, unveiling the insights, controversies, and stories behind the books that have shaped our understanding of the plant world.