A Garden Eden. Masterpieces of Botanical Illustration (Bibliotheca Universalis)

by H. Walter Lack

Heaven on earth: Botanical masterworks from the National Library of Vienna In the pursuit of knowledge of pleasure, the art of botanical illustration has always requirednot onlymeticulous draughtsmanship, but also arigorous scientific understanding. To record the form, colour, and details of different plant species requires both accuracy and aesthetic skill.FromByzantine manuscripts to 19th century masterworks, thisBibliotheca Universalisedition traces the botanical tradition with the finest botanical manuscripts from theNational Library of Vienna. In exquisite color reproductions, it showcases the skill involved in portraying plants for scientific purposes, for the historical record of vanishing species, or for the simple celebration of thebeauty and variety of the natural world. About the series: Bibliotheca Universalis Compact cultural companions celebrating the eclectic TASCHEN universe at an unbeatable, democratic price!Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, the name TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible, open-minded publishing.Bibliotheca Universalisbrings together nearly 100 of our all-time favorite titles in a neat new format so you can curate your own affordable library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia.Bookworm s delight never bore, always excite! Text in English, French, and German "

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Nature, Plants, History, Gardening, Design

725 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Hans Walter Lack

Reviews

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schwer zu glauben, dass dieser riesige Schatz an Pflanzenillustrationen aus nur einer einzigen Bibliothek, nämlich der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek, stammen. Wenn mir im Winter die blütenlose Tristesse an die Nieren geht, werde ich wieder in diesem Band blättern.

[Alex Khlopenko · Rating 3 out of 5]

A monument to the colonialist and imperialist endeavors and megalomania of the Habsburgs and Napoleons of history, who would invade countries and enslave people to collect a couple seeds for their garden

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous! Beautiful~ I have been eyeing this book for a while and so happy that this time I could bring it home from the library. I just love botanical drawings and this was a feast for the eyes.

[Charles Marsteller · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book. In fact, the author (a real bona-fide authority!) says this book, the Florilegium Imperiale and the Jardin du Roy (in the era of Henri IV and Louis XIII) are the standout Florilegium in long history of botanical illustration.

The printing on this book is not as vibrant as the Florilegium Imperiale. Cannot tell if this is due to the originals (primarily by the Bauer Brothers) or by the publisher. The paper too would have assisted the presentation better if less stark (white).

The narrative is important and although the translation from German is evident, the message is clear. The history of the preservation of this work is also interesting...the travails of the European Wars...so we are lucky to see it now published for the first time.

I should add that I read the English Language edition of this book!

[Oleksandra Orlova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ця книжка значно більше на "подивитися", ніж на "почитати", але ця візуальна складова неоціненна. Велика частина традиції ботанічної гравюри (переважно, німецька та австрійська) в одному видання, довідник рослин та історія їх дослідження/фіксації (до того ж трьома мовами: англійською, німецькою, французькою).
TASCHEN ніколи не розчаровує, еге ж.

[Aisha R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! So informational and filled with beautiful illustrations

[Gioia Zappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per gli appassionati di storia e botanica è la combo perfetta per non parlare di altro almeno per due mesi.

[Mari]

Este libro es una belleza ♥

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGH SO PRETTY BUH