The present volume is offered, with its wealth of color and form, scarcely approaching the beauty of the growing and living plants depicted, with the hope that the interest which it may stimulate in our native and naturalized wild flowers will become a potent force for their preservation and protection. (from the Introduction)

{HISTORY}

Weighing in at just under 6 lbs, this large, oversized reference guide to American wildflowers was one of the most acclaimed horticulture books of the early 20th century.

Written and photographed by American botanist Homer D. House (1878-1949), Wild Flowers was first published in 1918. Featuring over 360 gorgeous autochrome images along with corresponding botanical descriptions, it was an instant bestseller and was continuously re-issued and referenced for the next two decades eventually selling over 100,000 copies. When the color plates wore out, the book fell out of print until the mid-1960s when it was redesigned and released,  again capturing the hearts of a new generation of wildflower lovers. 

Beloved not only by gardening enthusiasts, flower lovers, and students of horticulture but by artists and preservationists as well, Homer's mission was to raise awareness surrounding the protection and conservation of wildflowers as the country was growing, expanding and reshaping the landscape in early part of the 20th century.

Spend just a few moments flipping through this book and you'll quickly understand how Homer's stunning floral photographs captured everyone's attention and turned his book into an important body of work regarding flower identification and appreciation. 

Printed on thick, glossy paper, the presentation of this book is as lovely as the imagery.  In addition to the color plates, each flower is described in detail including its appearance, composition, location, ideal terrain, and time of year when it blooms. An absolutely beautiful book, we can understand why it was such a source of inspiration for flower lovers of all kinds, but especially artists, as each botanical portrait contains its own personality. 

Homer spent his entire life immersed in the academic study of botany. Working at various universities along the East Coast throughout his career, he became the State Botanist of New York in 1917 and lectured frequently on the protection and preservation of wildflowers. Over 20,000 of his plant specimens collected along the East Coast throughout his life are now housed at the New York State Museum.  

This edition of Wild Flowers was published in 1937. It is the fourth printing of the 1934 edition.  

Photograph of Homer D. House courtesy of the Syracuse Harold Journal, January 30th,1906

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Published in 1937, this is the fourth printing of the 1934 edition
• 362 pages including detailed index
•  Contains 364 color photographs along with corresponding field notes and identification guides
• Oversized reference book

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this book is clean and bright throughout with no spots, stains, or notations. A previous owner's name is written in fountain pen on the front endpaper. A handful of pages have small rips at the bottom edge just from the natural force of turning pages due to the heavier paper but do not affect the text or the imagery in any way. The coverboards are in great shape - clean and a beautiful bright green color - but the spine has tanned to a darker olive shade due to sun exposure. All pages are intact and the spine is tight. 

{SIZE}

Measures 11.75" (length) x 9.25" (width) x 1.5" inches (thickness) and weighs just under 6 lbs.