Category: book review
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Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 3
The post concludes Mr P Cuttings’ evaluations of Kew’s Pocketbook series, and considers Carnivorous plants, Festive flora, Palms, and Cacti. Each book features botanical illustrations and introductions by experts but most of them lack the promised detailed annotations. Richly illustrated, the titles here considered – and the series as a…
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Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 2
This post provides a detailed evaluation of four titles from the Kew Pocketbook series, Houseplants, Mexican Plants, Herbs and Spices, and Fruit. Each book is lavishly illustrated and provides an introduction by an expert from Kew.
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Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 1
Titles in Kew’s Pocketbook series, featuring books with 40 botanical paintings from Kew’s extensive archive, showcases diverse plant groups and collections. Each book, lavishly includes plant examples, and an expert introduction. Although there is an unevenness in text to accompany the illustrations between titles, the series offers valuable collections of…
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Practical ways to tackle plant blindness
In “Things to do with plants: 50 ways to connect with the botanical world,” Emma Crawforth addresses plant blindness and provides practical ways to engage with plants. The book offers 50+ activities divided into seven sections, aiming to enhance plant appreciation. While the lack of sources for statements made is…
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Iconic Mediterranean plants
Andrew Griebeler’s “Botanical icons” thoroughly examines the role of illustrations in botanical-medical texts from ancient to medieval times. It challenges prevailing views of premodern botanical art as stagnant, emphasizing the critical nature of manuscript copying. The book’s well-sourced content and excellent writing make it a valuable academic resource, providing insight…
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Plants, when two dimensions are enough…
“The beauty of the flower” by Stephen A. Harris explores botanical illustration as an art form and scientific tool. The book delves into the history and significance of botanical illustration, showcasing its role in documenting plant diversity and scientific knowledge. With rich illustrations and insightful narratives, Harris presents a comprehensive…
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For a long life, avoid the garden
“Gardening can be Murder” by Marta McDowell is an enjoyable exploration of the surprising connections between gardening, and murder to be found in mystery novels. McDowell delves into over 100 English language mystery novels, providing context and insights into their horticultural themes. With stylish writing and abundant insights, this book…
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Charles Darwin, BOTANIST(!)
Darwin and the art of botany brings together excerpts from Darwin’s 6 books dedicated to plant biology and illustrations of the 45+ plants that are highlighted. Topics covered include insectivorous plants, climbers, and orchids. Commentary places Darwin’s studies in the context of the botanical knowledge of the time, and updates…
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Dan’s the man, the orchid man
“Orchid” by Dan Torre is a detailed book about orchids featuring extensive consideration of their biology, discovery, representation in art and literature, human uses, and and conservation issues. Well-written by a true orchid enthusiast it’s a great read, and highly recommended.
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Sourcing a rare book about trees
This version of a critical appraisal of “Rare Trees” by Sara Oldfield & Malin Rivers includes sources for statements made, etc. that were omitted – deliberately – from the previous version.
Plant Cuttings 