The Forgotten Botanist: Sara Plummer Lemmon's Life of Science and Art

The Forgotten Botanist is a 2022 WILLA Literary Award Winner in Creative Nonfiction, Spur Award Winner, and Top Pick in Southwest Books of the Year. It chronicles the remarkable life of Sara Plummer, an extraordinary woman who, in 1870, left the East Coast for a new life in the West, where she taught herself botany and established the town's first library. She and her husband, botanist John Gill Lemmon, discovered hundreds of new plant species, many of which were illustrated by Sara. Despite her contributions to scientific knowledge being credited merely as "J.G. Lemmon & wife," her story is one of resilience, determination, and courage and is as relevant to our nation today as it was in her own time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2021
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The Forgotten Botanist is a captivating tale that delves into the extraordinary life of a remarkable woman named Sara Plummer. In 1870, driven by ill health, she embarked on a journey from the East Coast to the West, seeking a new life and a fresh start. At the age of thirty-three, Sara settled in Santa Barbara, California, where she taught herself the art of botany and established the town's very first library. Over the next ten years, she embarked on a botanical exploration alongside her husband, John Gill Lemmon, a botanist. Together, they discovered hundreds of new plant species, many of which were beautifully illustrated by Sara herself, showcasing her remarkable artistic talent. Despite her significant contributions to scientific knowledge, her contributions were often attributed solely to her husband, John Gill Lemmon, as "J.G. Lemmon and wife."

The Forgotten Botanist chronicles Sara's remarkable journey, where she and JG explored Arizona, California, Oregon, and Mexico, discovering new plant species along the way. Their adventures were accompanied by notable friends such as John Muir and Clara Barton, who shared their passion for nature and conservation. Sara also found time to pursue her passion for journalism and activism, advocating for women's suffrage and forest conservation.

What makes Sara's story truly timeless is her unwavering resilience, determination, and courage. She left everything behind, embracing the unknown and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Her inspiring story resonates with us today, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing our passions, even in the face of adversity. Sara Plummer's journey is a testament to the human spirit and the indomitable nature of the human soul.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 226 x 203 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496222817