Product Description

An engaging account of humanity's growing fascination with orchids from ancient times onward, together with a biographical gallery of 50 great scientists, naturalists, and explorers who contributed to our knowledge of orchids. The nomenclature and bibliography have been updated for this edition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #857348 in Books
• Published on: 1995-09-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 340 pages

From Booklist
This revised edition of a book first published in 1972 features an updated nomenclature and additions to the detailed bibliography. Reinikka gives readers all the important dates, names, and incidents relevant to the historical role of orchids. Part one chronicles historical development; it is an engrossing history and Reinikka traces it in great detail. Included in this section is an explanation of the classification of orchids, early methods of orchid cultivation, the commercial development of the genera, its hybridization and scientific application, and a chronological guide to orchid literature beginning in 1228. Part two is nearly 200 pages of biographical sketches of 50 significant figures in orchid history, covering their contributions to the field, beginning with botanist Carl von Linne (1707^-78). With 73 black-and-white illustrations, this is a book no orchid grower should be without. George Cohen

Customer Reviews

Best of its kind !!!
This is by far the best book on orchid history ever written. A wealth of information on each historical orchid people that deserve to be there and with their corresponding photo!! It's all here!

All the other chapters are simply a delight to read. A must have for any orchid people with a sense for the past.