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Anatomy of a Rose: The Secret Life of Flowers

Anatomy of a Rose: The Secret Life of Flowers

by SharmanAptRussell (Author)

  • Used

    Paperback 2002

    $5.80
Synopsis

An acclaimed nature writer reveals the secret life of flowers. In Anatomy of a Rose, Sharman Apt Russell eloquently unveils the "inner life" of flowers. From their diverse fragrances to their nasty deceptions, Russell proves that, where nature is concerned, 'wonder is not only our starting point, it can also be our destination.' Throughout this botanical journey, she reveals that the science behind these intelligent plants - how they evolved, how they survive, how they heal - is even more awe-inspiring than their fleeting beauty. Russell helps us imagine what a field of snapdragons looks like to a honeybee, and she introduces us to flowers that regulate their own temperature, attract pollinating bats, even smell like a rotting corpse. She also delves into cutting-edge research on everything from flower senses to their healing power. Long used to ease everything from depression to childbirth, flowers are now our main line of defence against childhood leukaemia and the deadly Ebola virus. In this wonderful book, which combines graceful writing with a scientist's clarity, Russell brings together the work of botanists around the globe, and illuminates a world at once familiar and exotic.

$5.80

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 240
 Publisher: Arrow
Published: 01 Aug 2002
ISBN 10: 009942956X
ISBN 13: 9780099429562
Book Overview: A wonderfully written exploration of the sex and science of flowers, in the tradition of Anna Pavord's The Tulip and Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief.

Media Reviews
A truly engaging book on the extraordinary world of flowers into which the writer takes us with wry wit and fearsome knowledge... Fascinating stuff, and will ensure you never look at your garden in the same way again. Sunday Times 'The amazing story of how plants evolved, hoe they survive and how they heal... a wonderful tale written simply but elegantly and with a true scientist's clarity. The gardeners of this world will find it wonderful armchair reading' Publishing News 'This book is a treasure-trove of information that aims to prevent flowers being sidelined as purely decorative features in our gardens, and reminds us that they are vital and hardworking objects of wonder. We uncover their secret lives: the dirty tricks they play, their sex-lives, and their ability to heal. Despite the use of some excessively flowery prose, this is a fascinating book that will defy you to walk unthinkingly past a summer meadow or a florist's window again.' Daily Mail ...the effect of this book is to make us look anew at our gardens or rush out and buy a bunch of flowers -- Ruth Rendell Times It is a wonderful tale written simply but elegantly and with a true scientist's clarity. The gardeners of this world will find it wonderful armchair reading Publishing News
Author Bio
Sharman Apt Russell is the author of three previous books, on the American West, none (understandably) published in the UK. She teaches writing at Western New Mexico University.