The great botanical illustrators and their work...

{HISTORY}

Exquisite from beginning to end, The Art of the Plant World details the history of botanical art from the fourth century all the way through to the 20th century.  Written by acclaimed British botanist, Martyn Rix this beautiful book showcases centuries of artistic merit when it comes to illustrating plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables and trees in gorgeous detail.

With color plates, black and white drawings and copies of book engravings, this oversized coffee table book is full of interesting information for gardeners, artists, historians and botanists. For you can't really describe the beauty of a flower without talking about the explorer who found it, the artist who painted it and the scientist who described it. 

We could have photographed the whole entire book just for this listing alone as a testament to the beauty that arrives at the turn of every page. Martyn didn't do any romancing towards the reader regarding details of his personal passion for this subject matter but instead jumps right into the history of the art form. What we love in particular about his style of writing is that it can be used as a springboard for further study, further research, and further understanding. He shares a lot of scholarly information here. Martyn has spent his life immersed in the horticulture world both in his native England and also abroad. He approaches this subject heavily backed by research but also includes interesting forays and tidbits about an array of characters that have contributed to this dynamic botanical world. 

A lovely meeting between art and botany, whether you appreciate the visual aspect of it or the intellectual aspect, you'll be enthralled with this unique book from beginning to end.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- 1981 Edition - Overlook Press - Woodstock, NY

- 224 pages including detailed index

- Illustrated throughout

 - Contains original dust jacket

- Oversized 

- Ex-library Copy

{CONDITION}

This is an ex-library book, so there are some minor stamps and markings relating to cataloging and circulation. The dust jacket is in good shape but does bear some fraying along the folds and wrinkling along the top edge and back cover. The dust jacket has been repaired along the top and bottom edge to prevent further chippiness. 

We suspect this book in particular might have been previously owned by a botanical illustrator as there is a splash of watercolor paint on one page and a hint of paper wrinkling on a few pages. 

Other than that, the interior is bright nd clean, all pages are intact and the spine is tight. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 13.5" inches (length) x9.75" inches (width) x 1.25" inches (thickness) and weighs 4.5lbs.