Collectors: Creating Hans Sloane's Extraordinary Herbarium

This book explores the lives of the people who assembled the most extensive botanical collection of the Early Modern period, Sir Hans Sloane's herbarium, housed at the Natural History Museum in London. It comprises 120,000 pressed plant specimens and represents the rich history of exploration and discovery in the period preceding Cook's voyages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 27 August 2020
Publisher: The Natural History Museum

This captivating book delves into the lives of the remarkable individuals who assembled the most remarkable botanical collection of the Early Modern era. With tales of adventure and discovery spanning across every continent, it unveils the captivating stories behind the creation of Sir Hans Sloane's herbarium, housed at the Natural History Museum in London. Considered one of the most extensive herbarium collections of its kind, Sir Hans Sloane's herbarium holds immense scientific and historical significance. Assembled between the 1680s and 1750s, this remarkable collection comprises an estimated 120,000 meticulously pressed plant specimens. The development of this herbarium was a collaborative effort involving over 300 individuals from more than 70 countries, making it a testament to the global reach and interconnectedness of the Early Modern world. The book explores the backgrounds, motivations, and contributions of these individuals, shedding light on their remarkable journeys and the immense impact they had on the field of botany. Through vivid illustrations and detailed narratives, readers are transported back to a time when exploration and discovery were at the forefront of human endeavors, and the pursuit of knowledge was an exhilarating adventure. Sir Hans Sloane's herbarium serves as a tangible reminder of the rich history of exploration and discovery in the period preceding Cook's voyages, and its enduring value continues to inspire and educate generations to come. This lavishly illustrated book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in history, botany, or the wonders of the natural world.

Weight: 870g
Dimension: 183 x 237 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780565094881