Noël Kingsbury

This is a celebration of the tree in all its forms and guises. The book is split into six sections, antiquity, ecology, sacred, utility, food and ornamental. Each section profiles an number of different trees that best fit that category,with a little science section, some of the history and context about the tree and at least one photo.

Overall though it really didn't enthral me, the text is informative and useful, there didn't seem to be any glaring errors wither and the photos were just nice, with one or two really good ones. It just really lacks that extra spark that you would get from someone who is passionate about the tree. Would make a nice coffee table book though.… (more)

An absolutely superb collective of flora lore, how they were given their names, their native habitat, tidbits about medical use, physical attributes and so much more. Richly enhance with vintage imagery (seed packets, catalogue pages, paintings, photography and more) it is a visual, educational and horticultural delight and brilliant addition to one's garden library.
Opening with the line "Every garden plant comes from somewhere'" it takes us to the there, the how, the why and the when. Alphabetical listings of well over 100 of the more common (ie; apt to be in your own garden) plants/trees in a coffee table book most worthy of any serious gardener. The depth of knowledge I tethered was most appreciated. I had no idea that Magnolia family members date back 98 million years, being "contemporary with the dinosaurs but before bees." and that they were believed to have been first pollinated by bees. How many of today's plants actually have been hybridized pretty much out of their own family origins. Just so much information here that would make you quite the queen (or king) of the next garden tour you go on.
A nice list of "further reading and sources" finishes off this heavy tome. Kingsbury is a well respected horticulturalist and garden writer, diverse in many related fields. So thrilled to add this to my library.… (more)

This book was every bit as nerdy as it sounds from the title, but not at all dry or boring - in fact, I found it a really readable and accessible book which was surprisingly fascinating. I know absolutely nothing about plant breeding, and I suspect if it had just been about the science of it all I would have skimmed it, but the history side of it was really interesting, particularly as Kingsbury covered developments throughout the world, including the developing world and former Soviet Union. I found the discussion on ownership of genes, and of issues around sharing knowledge between developed and developing world particularly interesting, but there were also fascinating insights into empire, history of genetics, farmers vs academics vs private enterprise, etc etc. It was also primarily focused on food crops rather than ornamental plants (which just got one chapter). The fact that I knew nothing about the subject (science especially, or the history) wasn't a barrier to understanding what was going on, and in fact I feel like I've learnt quite a lot! It concluded with a brief overview of GM technology and the debates around that.

There were a few places where I thought the proof-reader had had a bad day (especially chapter 14 - lots of silly errors!), but other than that minor irritation I'd actually really recommend this as accessible and interesting, it would be a good present for the nerd in your life!… (more)