Product Description

Few people are aware of the great diversity of resin-producing plants or the remarkable roles resins play for plants and people. Often, the first resin that comes to mind is the glue-like sap of conifers, but in fact many tropical trees and arid-zone shrubs also produce resin. Resins evolved millions of years ago to defend plants against their enemies, as recorded by fossil resins like amber, and humans have used them since prehistory. Plant Resins tells the whole story about these fascinating plant products.

For ages, the term resin has been vaguely defined, referring to any sticky plant exudate. Based on recent scientific advances, Jean Langenheim provides the first operational definition of resin, distinguishing true resins from other substances such as gum and latex.

This book takes a unique multidisciplinary approach to the study of plant resins and is the only complete, scientifically up-to-date treatment of them. Divided into three parts for ease of use---production of resin, geologic history and ecology, and ethnobotany---it is accessible to anyone interested in understanding plant resins and their uses.

The author's writing reflects her enthusiasm for this complex subject, and is both precise and uniquely presented. The book is richly illustrated with maps, color and black-and-white photographs, and exquisite line drawings by Jesse Markman. Several appendices, a glossary, and an extensive bibliography with more than 1000 references offer further welcome information. This comprehensive and integrated discussion of resins will appeal to botanists, ecologists, ethnobotanists, chemists, anthropologists, archeologists, museum conservators, and amber enthusiasts.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #407373 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 612 pages

Review
"An authoritative and definitive work of interest and utility to readers working in botany, biology, chemistry, ecology, anthropology, or history."
—Charlotte Tancin, Huntia, June 2005 (Huntia )

"An excellent complement to the conservation, art technology, and cultural history literature and one that can offer great enrichment and enjoyment. So, a must-have browser!"
—Ruth E. Norton, Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, Fall/Winter 2005 (Journal of the American Institute for Conservation )

"Langenheim, a respected resin authority, has done a commendable task. Few books have been published on this topic, so her book will be the benchmark for resins."
—R. P. Poincelot, Choice, October 2003 (Choice )

An authoritative and definitive work of interest and utility to readers working in botany, biology, chemistry, ecology, anthropology, or history. Charlotte Tancin, Huntia, June 2005 (Huntia )

An excellent complement to the conservation, art technology, and cultural history literature and one that can offer great enrichment and enjoyment. So, a must-have browser! Ruth E. Norton, Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, Fall/Winter 2005 (Journal of the American Institute for Conservation )

Langenheim, a respected resin authority, has done a commendable task. Few books have been published on this topic, so her book will be the benchmark for resins. R. P. Poincelot, Choice, October 2003 (Choice )

From the Author
Jean H. Langenheim is Professor Emeritus of Biology and Research Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz.

About the Author
Jean H. Langenheim is Professor Emeritus of Biology and Research Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz. She has researched resins for many years, publishing extensively with her students about resin-producing plants along the North American Pacific coast, throughout the New World tropics, and in other parts of the world. Her unusual breadth of background, as demonstrated in Plant Resins, has been recognized by her election as president of the Ecological Society of America, Association for Tropical Biology, International Society of Chemical Ecology, and Society for Economic Botany.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding
I immediately ordered this book, with great glee. As an ethnobotanist, I find that this book is an invaluable source of information on a topic that has not been systematically covered in my field.

The illustrations are wonderful, the information value of the book is high and I am pleased to have this book in my collection.

Plant Resins "exudes" essential botanical minutia
My review title may seem contradictory but Langenheim's book is an essential for any serious botanist, professional or amateur. It is full of minutia ("small or trivial detail") as well, which makes it so engaging, especially for the trivia buff. Included in the text are numerous, very well done drawings and photographs illustrating plant parts and functions, and ecological relationships. The biochemistry of plant resins is explained in detail, which may confuse the amateur, but is an important aspect of the text.

Definately a great resource book
This book offers a comprehensive look at the fascinating world of plant resins. It is a must have if you are looking for a single source of information on the subject. Even if you are not in the field (I'm certainly not), it makes for very interesting reading. And has the chemical reactions all diagrammed out for those of you with an interest in the organic chemistry side of things. Be aware that this is written like a text book, for the most part. But the commentary from the author keeps it from being yet another dry school text.