The subject matter sounds dry but the layout is anything but, coming across like a Guinness Book of Records of plants. This book is not a practical guide. Rather it is a coffee table doorstopper that tries to make accessible everything you need to know about plants (and fungi).
We're in safe hands as the five authors are Chris Clennett (ex Kew), plant scientists Sarah Jose, prolific authors John Farndon and Tim Harris and Lynne Boddy, a mycology professor.
From lithops to rainforests, its all here as a layman's guide to botany. Learn why daffodil bulbs are poisonous, what plants are best to make religious texts in the Himalayas and how tasting willow bark led to the discovery of asprin.
Interestingly, fungi is included in the title. Fungi is having a moment in the book world with two titles on growing mushrooms already published this year.
I found the contents titles not that helpful, eg 'Floral kingdom'. On the other hand, from the beginning to the end, the book offered insight you may have forgotten into plant reproduction, and will bring back memories of learning about angiosperms and eudicots for many.
The 446 page book would make an excellent gift and is an ambitious undertaking that sets a standard in livening up the presentation of information about plants.
