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Botanical
Cactus
Cacti are full of contradictions. Although many are found in the driest and most barren environments on earth, some grow exclusively in the branches of the rain forest canopy. Many species bristle with ferocious-looking spines, while other varieties are perfectly smooth. And while they might strike us as the most austere plants on earth, nearly all of them exhibit remarkable floral displays—some even larger than the plant itself. In Cactus, Dan Torre explores these unique plants as they appear all around the world and throughout art, literature, and popular culture.
As Torre shows, cacti have played a prominent role in human history for thousands of years. Some species were revered by ancient civilizations, playing a part in their religious ceremonies; other varieties have been cultivated for their medicinal properties and even as a source of dye, as in the case of the prickly pear cactus and the cochineal insect, the source of red carmine used in everything from food to lipstick. Torre examines how cacti have figured in low-footprint gardens, as iconic features of the landscapes of Westerns, and as a delicious culinary ingredient, from nutritious Nopal pads to alluring Pitaya—or Dragon—fruits. Entertaining and informative, this book will appeal to any of us who have admired these hardy, efficient plants.
As Torre shows, cacti have played a prominent role in human history for thousands of years. Some species were revered by ancient civilizations, playing a part in their religious ceremonies; other varieties have been cultivated for their medicinal properties and even as a source of dye, as in the case of the prickly pear cactus and the cochineal insect, the source of red carmine used in everything from food to lipstick. Torre examines how cacti have figured in low-footprint gardens, as iconic features of the landscapes of Westerns, and as a delicious culinary ingredient, from nutritious Nopal pads to alluring Pitaya—or Dragon—fruits. Entertaining and informative, this book will appeal to any of us who have admired these hardy, efficient plants.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published April 15, 2017
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 19, 2017
Cacti are weird. In my mind, although I am fully, 100% aware that they are just another kind of plant, I have them categorized with stalagtites and icicles and other "nonliving things that grow". Dan Torre's book about cacti is only somewhat about the family of plants itself, and is more about how we humans think (and feel) about them.
There is a lot of artwork, much of it pre-20th century, in this book, as well as a number of early photographs. The cactus is a handy metaphor for lots of qualities (hard to approach, persistence in harsh environments), and there are a lot of artists who have decided to put them to use.
Torre's book is thus more about the sociological history of the cactus as a symbol and object of interest, and only to a lesser degree about the natural history of the plants themselves. Not that there is nothing in here for the amateur botanist, but if you come to the book expecting cactus and instead get cactus-as-symbol, you might be disappointed.
If you take it for what it is, though, Torre's book is well-written, abundantly illustrated, and an excellent nightstand read that will take you away from your own worries and stresses, and deliver you to a place of quiet contemplation. Cactus as comfy chair. It works better than you'd think.
There is a lot of artwork, much of it pre-20th century, in this book, as well as a number of early photographs. The cactus is a handy metaphor for lots of qualities (hard to approach, persistence in harsh environments), and there are a lot of artists who have decided to put them to use.
Torre's book is thus more about the sociological history of the cactus as a symbol and object of interest, and only to a lesser degree about the natural history of the plants themselves. Not that there is nothing in here for the amateur botanist, but if you come to the book expecting cactus and instead get cactus-as-symbol, you might be disappointed.
If you take it for what it is, though, Torre's book is well-written, abundantly illustrated, and an excellent nightstand read that will take you away from your own worries and stresses, and deliver you to a place of quiet contemplation. Cactus as comfy chair. It works better than you'd think.
January 22, 2025
This is just about the most comprehensive overview of the cacti species and their role in human societies. It is engaging and enthusiastic. I have an even greater appreciation for cacti, and I was already a big fan to begin with.
September 7, 2020
Purchase Cactus here for just $12!
Written by an RMIT professor, this is therefore a must for any local. Torre looks at how cacti have appeared in literature and art as he charts their journey through civilisations. Full of beautiful artwork, this would be an excellent coffee table book, sure to delight friends and guests.
Elisa - Book Grocer
Written by an RMIT professor, this is therefore a must for any local. Torre looks at how cacti have appeared in literature and art as he charts their journey through civilisations. Full of beautiful artwork, this would be an excellent coffee table book, sure to delight friends and guests.
Elisa - Book Grocer
July 24, 2024
Cactus is a reference book in the series of books called Botanicals. The whole series is great. I wish that I could purchase the set all at once, like we used to do in the past. Cacti, you either love them or hate them. I never met anyone who was indifferent to them. When I moved to Nevada I saw them for sale in the produce section of the store. I never bought one because I wouldn’t know how to prepare it or eat it.
November 27, 2021
I quite enjoyed reading about cacti (I was so surprised to find out that the dragon fruits were fruits of cactus... am I stupid for not knowing this?).
But after a while, I got bored.
Non-fiction books do that to me unless it's an audiobook.
But after a while, I got bored.
Non-fiction books do that to me unless it's an audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews