A Curious Herbal by Marta Mcdowell

Regular price
Checking stock...
Regular price
Checking stock...
Summary

A complete edition of the first herbal published by a woman artist — which has a remarkable backstory.

The feel-good place to buy books
  • Free delivery in Australia
  • Supporting authors with AuthorSHARE
  • 100% recyclable packaging
  • Proud to be a B Corp – A Business for good

A Curious Herbal by Marta Mcdowell

A complete edition of the first herbal published by a woman artist which has a remarkable backstory.
"That Elizabeth Blackwell’s A Curious Herbal has been reprinted in full, gives credit to its longevity as a text and set of illustrations that have stood the test of time and remain relevant and worthy of recognition to this dayThe introduction by Marta McDowell and subsequent essay by Janet Stiles Tyson, so carefully researched, for the first time provide what feels to be a factual and fascinating insight into Blackwell’s life and the depth of her endeavor, in a world dominated by men, whilst dispelling some of the myths and misinformation that surrounded her." - Sue Medway, Director and Curator of the Chelsea Physic Garden, London
"In this new edition, Blackwell’s gorgeous plates bloom afresh, while two engaging essays―by Martha McDowell and Janet Stiles Tyson―vividly capture the life and times of this brave, talented woman." - Victoria Johnson, National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize finalist for American Eden
"This gorgeous book has the heft of an ancient herbal. It is a treasure for anyone interested in the healing properties of plants. Blackwell’s precise depictions... are beautifully reproduced. It is a joy to turn every page." - Susan Fraser, Director Emerita of the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, New York Botanical Garden
“Magnificent and long-overdue, it will surely become an essential reference for scholars of Blackwell, and anyone interested in 18th century botany.” - Will Beharrell, Librarian of the Linnean Society of London
"The book is a captivating look at a moment when science, medicine, and — at least in the case of Blackwell — gender dynamics were drastically shifting in Britain. It’s a valuable reminder that more historical heroines are waiting to be rediscovered; we just need to look closely." - Hyperallergic
"A woman of courage, ingenuity, determination and curiosity, Elizabeth Blackwell has an extraordinary story that deserves to be retold. Excellent scholarship by Janet Stiles Tyson and her discovery of a previously unrecorded manuscript written by Blackwell, unveil new information about Blackwell’s rogue husband and family lineage....This gorgeous book has the heft of an ancient herbal. It is a treasure for anyone interested in the healing properties of plants. Blackwell’s precise depictions... are beautifully reproduced. It is a joy to turn every page." - Susan Fraser, Director Emerita of the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, New York Botanical Garden
A Curious Herbal is nominated for the CBHL (Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries) Annual Literature Award in the USA. - Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries

Marta McDowell teaches landscape history and horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden. She has authored several books, including Unearthing “The Secret Garden” and All the Presidents’ Gardens. Janet Stiles Tyson, an independent scholar, wrote her doctoral dissertation on Elizabeth Blackwell’s A Curious Herbal.

SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780789214539
ISBN 10 0789214539
Title A Curious Herbal
Author Marta Mcdowell
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Hardback
Publisher Abbeville Press Inc.,U.S.
Year published 2023-04-19
Number of pages 552
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.