Martius. The Book of Palms

Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, a professor of botany at the University of Munich, was laid to rest in a coffin covered with fresh palm leaves, a tribute to his groundbreaking Natural History of Palms. This three-volume work, published between 1823 and 1853, contained 240 exquisite chromolithographic illustrations and outlined the modern classification of palm, produced the first maps of palm biogeography, described all the palms of Brazil, and collated the sum of all known genera of the palm family.

Format: Hardback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2020
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

On December 15, 1868, Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, a renowned professor of botany at the University of Munich and the director of the Royal Botanic Garden, was laid to rest in a coffin adorned with fresh palm leaves. These leaves served as a poignant tribute to his groundbreaking Natural History of Palms, a monumental work comprising three volumes that were published between 1823 and 1853. At the time, this encyclopedic treasure held the collective wisdom of humanity on the subject, featuring 240 exquisite chromolithographic illustrations that showcased breathtaking landscape views of palm habitats and intricate botanical dissections.

This extraordinary folio was the result of von Martius' expedition to Brazil and Peru, undertaken in collaboration with zoologist Johann Baptist von Spix, with the sponsorship of King Maximilian I of Bavaria. From 1817 to 1820, the duo traversed a remarkable distance of over 2,250 km (1,400 miles) throughout the Amazon basin, known as the world's most species-rich palm region. Their mission was to explore natural history and indigenous tribes, and their tireless efforts resulted in the collection and meticulous sketching of numerous specimens. Upon their return, both men were honored with knighthoods and lifelong pensions for their remarkable achievements.

In his monumental work, von Martius laid the foundation for modern palm classification, meticulously mapping palm biogeography and providing comprehensive descriptions of all the palms found in Brazil. He also compiled a comprehensive list of all known genera within the palm family. Beyond his own extensive collection of specimens and notes, von Martius also delved into the findings of other researchers, adding depth and richness to his work.

What sets von Martius' folio apart is its inclusion of cross-sectioned diagrams, offering a visual representation of the architectural marvels of these towering trees. For Central Europeans, these diagrams would have been a revelation, as they allowed for a more accurate understanding of the intricate structure of these majestic plants. Equally captivating are the color landscapes that depict various palms, often standing alone, exuding a simple and elegant beauty.

The Natural History of Palms stands as an unparalleled landmark in botanic illustration and taxonomy. It remains a testament to von Martius' tireless dedication, scientific expertise, and artistic talent. His work continues to inspire and inform generations of botanists, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the wonders of the palm family and its profound impact on our understanding of the natural world.

Weight: 3474g
Dimension: 267 x 353 x 50 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836566148