Catesby's Natural History - by Stephen A Harris (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Mark Catesby was an eighteenth-century naturalist and artist whose work on the natural history of North America and the Caribbean still has resonance today. During the course of several perilous trips he collected specimens and made extensive observations in the field, gathering material that would eventually become The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, featuring 220 elaborate and distinctive hand-coloured plates. As an artist, Catesby meticulously recorded the environment, sifting fact from fiction about the lives of the plants and animals he observed. As a collector, he introduced many living plants to Britain, thereby changing European gardens forever. This beautiful book, which reproduces all the plates, shows how Catesby's practical field experience shaped his work in all areas. Whether through the now-extinct species he recorded or the cultural changes he witnessed, his research continues to be relevant, demonstrating the vulnerability and fragility of the natural world." -- backcover.

Book Synopsis

A beautiful reproduction of naturalist Mark Catesby's flora and fauna illustrations of North America and the Caribbean.

Mark Catesby was an eighteenth-century naturalist and artist whose work on the natural history of North America and the Caribbean still resonates today. During several perilous trips, Catesby collected specimens and made extensive observations in the field, gathering material that would eventually become The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, which featured 220 elaborate, distinctive hand-colored illustrations.

With their striking combinations of animals and plants paired together with the first-hand observations he made, Catesby's stunning illustrations were widely appreciated in their time and catalyzed interest in the natural history of Colonial America. Ultimately, his work was established as a key reference for the scientific understanding of natural history. As an artist, Catesby meticulously recorded the environment, sifting fact from fiction about the lives of the plants and animals he observed. As a collector, he introduced many living plants to Britain, thereby changing European gardens forever.

Catesby's Natural History reproduces all the original plates and shows how Catesby's practical field experience shaped his work in all areas. Whether through the now-extinct species he recorded or the cultural changes he witnessed, his research continues to be relevant, demonstrating the vulnerability and fragility of the natural world.

Review Quotes

"A handsome reproduction of a rare and highly illustrated natural history."-- "The Spectator"

"More than 200 plates depicting the flora and fauna of North America and the Caribbean, hand-colored by the influential 18th-century naturalist Mark Catesby, are printed here in full splendor, accompanied by a thorough argument for Catesby's significance in the history of naturalism."-- "Apollo Magazine"

"Remarkable and intricate illustrations."-- "New Scientist"

"This book is a must-have for anyone with an interest in the natural history history of North America."-- "The Birdbooker Report"

About the Author

Stephen A. Harris is the Druce Curator of Oxford University Herbaria.