Flora: An Artistic Voyage Through the World of Plants
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley December 16, 2014
Author Sandra Knapp
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ISBN: 9781760110116
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
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Website: http://www.allenandunwin.com
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Pure enchantment waits behind the cover of this collection of artistic creations of the plant world, encapsulating in a timeless format, beauty which will last and in many cases has lasted, for centuries.
Each of the wonderful illustrations has been carefully selected from the archives of the Natural History Museum, London. This incredibly comprehensive collection of botanical paintings, specimens and literature is the home of the works by Sir Joseph Banks and his artist Sydney Parkinson both who recorded faithfully in word and picture the fascinating new species discovered in their journeys to places undiscovered.
There are works by Dioscorides, the man who created the De Materia Medica in 1458 and so very much more in the way of natural history which is referred to on a daily basis by Scientists and researches worldwide.
In this collection compiled and narrated by Sandra Knapp we are privileged to be able to enter this world and be impressed, amazed , inspired, and educated in the life of plants over many centuries, sadly some of which are now extinct and some that are now on the endangered lists worldwide. But thankfully so many still grace our gardens and woodlands, there for all to enjoy.
As you turn over the pages the information which complements the various pictures and species is enthralling in that the history of the recorded image is there for you to enjoy, detailing the name of the plant, not just the botanical name, how it came about, how the information was gathered and how the plant has, over many years learned to adapt to the environment in order to be able to survive.
The book has been divided into twenty groupings to save confusion which does help a little, but the richness of the content encourages trawling between the sections simply to enjoy the illustrations and artwork in a visual feast.
The stories which complement the illustrations are fascinating, not at all dry and tedious, as Knapp has a definite way with words, allowing what could easily be just another wonderful publication on plants to become a treasured possession of fascinating fact and fantasy in relation to the plants we all know and enjoy.
The Rose has a history which is as rich, varied and colourful as the plant and does make fascinating reading. The ancient Greeks used rose scented oils and the Roman’s on becoming the dominant power in Europe elevated the Rose to an important place within their society.
Humble Daisies and Sunflowers rate up there with Shakespeare, along with dandelions and thistles as his ‘golden lads’. These plants are far more complex and fascinating than expected with members of this family as varied and spectacular as they are prolific.
This incredible insight into the world of plants will become a treasured book of gardeners, garden lovers and of all who delight in art, simply to be able to enjoy beauty at the turn of a page.