Flora Mirabilis. How Plants have shaped world knowledge, health, wealth and beauty. 2009. col. illus. 255 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

The book combines the fascinating story of botanical illustrations, many never published in modern times. From the garden of Aristotle, with specimens collected by Alexander the Great, to medicinal potions in medieval monasteries, to intrepid expeditions in the far reaches of the world, the book traces the many ways plants have satisfied age-old human longings for health and wealth, beauty and knowledge. It is a tale of passion and adventure as well as a fascinating history of plants and the powerful role they have played in human life, sure to capture the interest and imagination of gardeners, naturalists, flower lovers, history buffs, and anyone who has ever stopped to smell the roses.