FLORA ILLUSTRATA edited by Susan M. Faser and Vanessa Bezemer Sellers explores carefully selected works from the LuEsther T. Mertz Library at the New York Botanical Garden.

The unique volume represents more than eight centuries of work. In the past, herbal books were second only to the Bible in importance. The authors note that marginalia in herbal books often focused on the results of treatments or tweaks that were made in directions by the reader. These notes reflected the significance of these works in everyday life.

The book is divided into five parts focusing on the library, great books and prints, groundbreaking works, celebrated works, and the landscape of the New York Botanical Garden. Individual chapters explore a spectrum of specialized topics.

FLORA ILLUSTRATA is exceptionally well-written and edited. Both well-known and lesser known examples are woven throughout the book to illustrate the key works. Full-color illustrations can be found on practically every page of this beautiful book. The quality of the illustrations is outstanding. Each figure is clearly labeled and explained.

As a faculty member who teaches a course in our library science program titled the History of the Book, I found the book to be an outstanding resource. While the text includes well-known and well-respected works, it also incorporates rare works that will peak the interest of both new and experienced researchers.

Millions of pages from the collection have been digitized and made available online at the Biodiversity Heritage Library at http://biodiversitylibrary.org/.

I highly recommend FLORA ILLUSTRATA for anyone with a passion for books and specifically works related to botany and horticulture. ( )