Herbarium

The Quest to Preserve and Classify the World's Plants

By: Barbara M. Thiers

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Hardcover | 1 December 2020 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Hardcover
304 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
31.5 x 24.2 x 8.5

Hardcover

$75.75

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A heavily illustrated history of herbaria from one of the world's foremost experts.

For nearly six centuries, scientists have been documenting the plants and fungi of the world through herbaria. The wealth of specimens available today, carefully preserved through the centuries, is a unique source of data that not only helps scientists understand how the world’s vegetation has changed over time, but allows them to also predict how it will change in the future.

In Herbarium, Barbara M. Thiers shares the fascinating story of how herbaria began, what they are, and how they function today. Readers will discover the role herbaria play in the exploration of the natural world, the important contributions they have made, and how they are under threat. Thiers argues passionately for their preservation and for the important role they play in protecting plant life for generations to come. Herbarium is heavily illustrated with photographs and unique historical material from the collection at the New York Botanical Garden . It is a must-read for passionate plant fans and conservationists.

About the Author

Barbara M. Thiers is director of the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium at the New York Botanical Garden, president of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, and vice president of the Natural Science Collections Alliance.

241 colour photographs

Industry Reviews

"With lavish illustrations of places and people; portraits of key players; herbaria specimens; and beautiful, full-color artists' renderings, this carefully researched, detailed homage to herbaria will appeal to those deeply interested in plant exploration and botany." --Library Journal

"A sweeping history of the origins, development, and future of herbaria and their role in plant consternation." --The American Gardener

"One of the prettiest books of the season... a lovely coffee table book as well as a serious work on the history of scientific endeavor." --The Napa Valley Register

"An enlightening tribute to the mysterious world of Herbaria that is meticulously researched, well organized, and above all accessible." --Gardens Illustrated

"This illustrated account of the Herculean efforts of the early botanists in this field is absorbing and enlightening." --The English Garden

"At its heart, Herbarium is a compelling reminder of one of humanity's better impulses: to save things--not just for ourselves, but for posterity... A marvelous book about the ages, for the ages." --The Nevada Native Plant Society

"Herbarium is sure to enchant anyone who has ever used a flower press or wished to learn more about plant classification, with vintage engravings and woodcuts of ancient plants." --The Free Press

"Invaluable for any personal library on the history of plants and their future. It is beautifully produced." --The Financial Times

"Gardeners with an interest in history will delight in Herbarium." --Horticulture

"Thoroughly researched and written in a readable style...this coffee-table book is lavishly illustrated with herbarium specimens, people, places, and maps, it's one of those glorious books where hours can easily be lost in reading and re-reading." --RHS The Garden

"A great book on the history of herbaria...readers interested in biographies and history would find this a great book to read and to add to their library collection." --Cultivate to Plate

"This beautifully illustrated history includes not just full-page examples of herbaria, but paintings, prints, maps, and photographs." --Landscape Architecture

"This book gives life to botanical collections and is a brilliant work that can be read, understood, and enjoyed by everyone." --The Journal of the American Botanical Council

"A journey through the history of botanical collecting... those vivid stories bring specimens to life."--Plant Science Bulletin

"This sumptuously illustrated book will delight all botanists, whether their hearts lie in the field or in the herbarium...This is a book that belongs on every botanist's bookshelf, for the wonderful stories contained within and for the marvelous illustrations of specimens that grace its pages." --The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland

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