Pollen: The hidden sexuality of flowers

by Rob Kesseler, Madeline Harley

"The most ravishing biology lessons we've ever seen."-- Chicago Tribune

The publication of the first edition of Pollen broke new ground by melding art and science in a beautiful yet authoritative examination of the design and function of pollen. This new edition contains 20 additional, equally spectacular, photographs published here for the first time. The book also contains a fully updated chapter about the Millennium Seed Bank Project and its recent acquisitions.

Special light and scanning electron microscopy were used to obtain astonishing microphotographic images of pollen grains. These images are accompanied by exquisite photographs of the parent plants. Concise text describes the role of pollen in the reproduction of a variety of plants, ranging from tulips and lilies to orchids and palms. Literary references and early botanical illustrations round out the text.

The first edition of Pollen received rave reviews for its original approach and stunning presentation. Now, with new pictures and updated text, it will maintain its place as one of the most remarkable publications on the topic.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature

264 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2006

Reviews

[Nihal Vrana · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has some nice SEM pictures but overall it is a very weak popular science book. Awful text, nearly no context in what we are shown on the pages and the constant shift of text colors made it more of an eyesore than an eye candy for me.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly beautiful book. The pollen look like weirdly lovely science-fiction creations, the text is informative without being heavy. Highly recommended to borrow from the library (it costs $60).

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of my most favorite and mystifying books of all times.