United States
£ GBP
An adventurous, wide-sweeping and versatile book on the curiosities and wonders of plant-life and our involvement with nature. It counts both as a textbook and an informative source for a wide-ranging readership; a resource for plant science and wildflowers, hiking and botanizing, art-work, biodiversity, education and life-style.
It is packed with information on botanical science, ecological and environmental factors, artistic appreciation and philosophical reflection, providing a more holistic view of nature. A comprehensive bibliography opens up a world of research for those who wish to study further.
The text is supported by lots of fine images, diagrams, tables, even a few catchphrases and poems. The book was inspired by the natural beauty, spatial positioning and harmony seen in plant communities. It provides a framework of understanding and engenders a critical, questioning mind with which to approach biodiversity and climate change.
Edward Bent, writer and educator, has a degree in botany from the University of Hull. He has extensive experience, from research to marketing and promotion. After his teaching experience in East Africa and as a qualified teacher in the UK, he became a founder director of the plant breeding company, Floranova Ltd, UK. After transferring to Italy, he became a self-employed professional providing consultancy work and as a writer, many feature articles were published in leading publications of the trade press, internationally. Also, by two publishers In Italy, a series of books on garden plants, the use of bioactive silicon in agriculture, and plant biodiversity. For years, he was engaged to promote the international status of the Miflor (Fiera Milano) trade exhibition. He also organized inward and outward trade and professional missions in Europe and China. After producing a series of botanical art compositions, exploring spatial relationships in plant communities, he was inspired to research and write this book, reflecting his understanding of plants and the ways of nature. He currently resides in Bergamo, Italy.
"[...] This book would appeal to those with a general love of nature – both as artists and scientists – and for those studying conservation and biodiversity at advanced level. It is also a book that would help readers to begin to understand the complexities of plant growth and adaptations which will be useful when future challenges regarding habitat loss and climate change need to be met."
– Sue Shanks, journal of the National Association for Environmental Education
"[...] In conclusion, I am truly impressed with much of the content of this book, but perhaps the author has been too ambitious in covering such a wide spectrum of topics. Consequently, while the seasoned botanist and natural historian could find certain parts rather simplistic, the less well-versed may find parts too complex. Who is the target readership? Of one thing I am certain, strong boots and stamina are required for this walk with nature and there are some rewards for all."
– Alison Moss, The Glasgow Naturalist 28(2), 2024
"A unique and intriguing book with plenty to offer the botanist, naturalist or anyone with an interest in nature and conservation. Thought provoking"
– David Swales, BSc, MBNA British Naturalists Association
"The intention is laudable. The author wants us to appreciate (plant) complexities to celebrate their beauty and to look more closely into their form and function at the dynamic lives of roots and leaves, and at the evolutionary complexities that lie behind biodiversity. The text comes alive when the author discusses specific examples. Having gained a better appreciation of plants, we examine our role as caretakers, and how we need personal values and indeed imaginative art, quite as much as science, to fulfil it. It’s very ambitious"
– Peter Marren, BSBI News 154, September 2023
"The richness of plant-life is often overlooked, leading to what experts call 'plant blindness'. This is exactly what this book overcomes. It examines many aspects of plant science and offers fascinating links to other disciplines"
– Dr. Luciana Zedda, activist in biodiversity projects – design, implementation and education
"This is a fascinating and intriguing book, which has captured my heart. Its passionate connections to wild nature, resonates with my soul and of course with my art practice. It is compelling and informative and I am sure to re-visit the book many times"
– Yvonne Coomber, acclaimed British artist
"A wonderful reference book as an insight into the marvels and complexities of nature"
– Mary Bartlett, MA, FLS. horticulturalist, gardener and teacher
"A guide to a different engagement with nature, to better appreciate the message it has for us, its whole life and identity"
– Philip Franses, former senior lecturer in holistic science
"I often lead walks and will be using the information in this book on all future walks. A fascinating and exceptional book"
– Roy Stewart. MSc, FIBMS, FLS, FRSB, MBNA British Naturalists Association, former university lecturer
"A truly remarkable journey through the vast insights provided. I found myself surrounded by new, exciting pieces of information and ideas that had never crossed my mind. I see this book as a tool to step back from the overwhelming spew of data to bridge the elegance and profound simplicity, yet complexity, of the natural world and how it all ties back to our own existence and understanding of self, science, and life. It is truly remarkable how much thought and insight are captured within these pages."
– Wendy L. Zellner Ph.D., Zellner’s Research Solutions, LLC, and University of Toledo, USA
