irst - this is a gorgeous book. Generously and fabulously illustrated, at least half the pages are eye candy.

Second - it's really well researched, although it does lack a citation / notes section at the end, an unfortunate oversight.

Also unfortunate is the writing. It's dry. So, so dry. Think academic history text dry. If I had to guess, I'd say it's a case of severe editing; trying to pack huge chunks of history into small 1-2 page sections. The result is a litany of names and dates guaranteed to make the most interested eyes droop.

Luckily, the illustrations go a long way towards perking up a reader's attention. ( )

This book opened new horizons to me, and really made me to long for more details and information about the different journeys and travellers mentioned. It is history and geography - and botany I guess, from a new angle, and I imagine that this would be a very enjoyable way to introduce the subjects to kids.

The chapters are focusing on different subjects, from the spice "war" between Portugal and Spain, to the introduction of tulips or orchids in Europe or to the evolution of the garden. For example I learned that the cloves that Magellans expedition brought back to Europe paid for the entire trip, and some of the missions that botanists of today are facing.

Written with a fluency and heavily illustrated, my one complaint is that it is a bit thin, I want to read more about many subjects mentioned and have long lists of things to look up on internet. But, as an introduction book, excellent.

In a scrapbook style spanning the history of plant hunters, this book would make a great gift for the serious botanist or keen gardner. It includes insert pockets with fold out maps and diagrams, drawings and sketches. Great background detail in an enjoyable format, making it an easier read than a straightforward book format. ( )