Amazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery

Amazing illustrations

*****

I bought this book for various reasons - because I am interested in the botanical art of the 17th and 18th centuries, and because anything that David Attenborough produces is always of a consistently high standard. I certainly wasn't disappointed on either count. This is a book full of information and also some wonderful illustrations so that you can follow the development of such an intricate and meticulous art form. Some of the earlier pictures can bring a smile to your face with their depictions and the added bonus of insects and other creepy-crawlies - artistic licence?David's prose is, as ever, full of information that is a delight to read. The subject is obviously one close to his heart and he imbues the whole book with his enthusiasm and knowledge.I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone - not just those with an interest in botanical art but also those who are interested in the development of an art form that is still in use today with the continual discovery of new plants from various parts of the world.

The illustrations are beautiful

Bought as a gift