Collins New Naturalist Series – 80 – Wild And Garden Plants – First Edition

Author: Max Walters
Publisher: William Collins
Price: £100
Publication Date: 1993
Edition: 1st edition
Size: Octavo
Binding: Original green cloth gilt. Dustwrapper
Condition: Fine in near fine dustwrapper
Number of Pages: 200

Condition:

Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. Top edge very slightly dusty. A fine, tight, clean copy in very near fine, very slightly creased dustwrapper which has some fading to the spine making the lettering illegible. The dustwrapper, designed by Robert Gillmor, is priced £27.50. Please contact us for more photographs if you require them. We usually have first editions of all the Collins New Naturalist Series in stock.

Description:

Wild and Garden Plants is the 80th volume in the esteemed Collins New Naturalist series, authored by Max Walters and first published in 1993. This comprehensive work offers an in-depth exploration of the origins and relationships between wild flora and cultivated garden plants in the British Isles.

Content Overview:

• Origins of Garden Plants: Walters examines the surprisingly limited contribution of native British flora to traditional gardens, highlighting that many familiar garden plants are exotic species introduced from abroad. He explores the historical and geographical origins of these plants and their journey into British horticulture.
• Botanical Relationships: The book delves into the complex interactions between wild and cultivated plants, discussing topics such as hybridisation, genetic variation, and the influence of environmental factors on plant development.
• Plant Categories: Walters provides detailed accounts of various plant groups, including trees, shrubs, herbs, flowers, and grasses. He also explores special life forms such as water plants, carnivorous plants, and parasitic plants, offering insights into their unique adaptations and roles within both natural and garden settings.
• Ecological and Conservation Perspectives: The volume addresses the impact of human activities on plant diversity and the importance of conservation efforts to preserve native species and their habitats. Walters discusses the roles of botanists and gardeners in shaping plant communities and the rise of ecology as a science.

Illustrations and Design:

The book is enriched with numerous colour plates and black-and-white photographs that enhance the textual content. The dust jacket, designed by Robert Gillmor, features a striking depiction of plant life, contributing to the book’s visual appeal.

The Collins New Naturalist Series: A Short History

The Collins New Naturalist series is one of the longest-running and most celebrated series on natural history ever published, providing an extensive exploration of British wildlife, habitats, and ecology since its inception in 1945. Published by William Collins, the series was launched to offer a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, yet accessible account of the natural history of the British Isles, appealing to both specialists and general nature enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its iconic cover designs, informative content, and ground-breaking illustrations, the New Naturalist series has been instrumental in fostering an appreciation for nature across generations.

Origins and Development

The series was the brainchild of Sir William Collins, who recognised a post-war desire for accessible and reliable information on the natural world. The initial aim was to create high-quality books that combined scientific accuracy with readability, crafted to be as engaging as they were informative. The first book, Butterflies by E.B. Ford, was published in 1945 and set a standard for the books that followed.

Topics and Structure

Each volume in the series is dedicated to a particular aspect of British natural history, with subjects ranging from specific groups of species, like Moths, Birds, and Warblers, to broader ecosystems and habitats, such as Woodlands, Rivers and Streams, and Mountain Flowers. Some volumes address particular ecological phenomena or geographical regions, giving readers an in-depth look at complex natural processes and interactions. Authors are typically experts in their fields, providing scientifically accurate yet highly accessible content. The volumes are filled with high-quality illustrations, photographs, and detailed diagrams, enhancing the textual information and bringing the subjects to life.

Illustrations and Cover Art

One of the most recognisable aspects of the New Naturalist series is its distinctive cover art, often created by celebrated wildlife artists. The covers feature striking depictions of British flora, fauna, and landscapes, with the illustrations becoming iconic in their own right. These visually appealing designs are as much a part of the series’ appeal as the content itself, establishing a cohesive and recognisable identity that is highly regarded by collectors.

Influence and Legacy

The Collins New Naturalist series has become a cornerstone of British natural history literature, influencing both academic study and public awareness of the natural world. For more than 75 years, the series has inspired naturalists, conservationists, and ordinary readers, encouraging a deeper understanding of British ecology and the environmental challenges facing the region. The series’ continued publication reflects its ongoing relevance, with new volumes addressing contemporary concerns such as climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity conservation.

Each book in the series combines a passion for nature with academic insight, presenting complex ecological ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging. Its success has established Collins New Naturalist as a respected name in natural history, and the books remain highly sought after by collectors, scholars, and anyone with an interest in British wildlife and the natural world.

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