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Published by Random House Inc Villard Books, NY, 1986
ISBN 10: 0394744047ISBN 13: 9780394744049
Seller: Inga's Original Choices, Piggott, AR, U.S.A.
Book First Edition
Trade Paperback. Condition: Very Good-. Various Artists (illustrator). First Edition Second Printing. llustrated throughout with color and B&W art reproductions. Pages [96] clean, unmarked, binding tight and square. Covers mostly clean, colors bright, minor wear. One of the Villard Military Series. Usual ex-libri markings. Media Mail, Priority & most international shipping include free tracking information. Every book listed is located in my smoke free and climate controlled shop. All are inspected by me and will have qualities and/or flaws described. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Ex-Library.
Published by Random House Inc (Villard Books), New York, NY, 1984
ISBN 10: 0394534301ISBN 13: 9780394534305
Seller: North American Rarities, Las Vegas, NV, U.S.A.
Book First Edition
Hardcover. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: As New. 1st Edition. Crisp clean DJ in mylar cover. Book is likewise fresh and clean with no distractions. Index.
Published by Villard Books/Random House Inc., New York NY,, 1993
Seller: lamdha books, Wentworth Falls, NSW, Australia
Octavo; hardcover, quarter-bound in cloth with silver-gilt spine titles and metallic blue upper board decorations; 226pp., untrimmed, with 8pp. of colour plates and many monochrome illustrations. Mild wear; spine extremities mildly softened; text block top edge a little softened. Dustwrapper is a little rubbed and edgeworn; rear flap creased. Very good. Postage quoted is for a standard format octavo book. Final charges may vary depending on size and weight. In this work, the author examines some of the fascinating relationships between humans and plants throughout the ages. From the teachings of missionaries in sixteenth-century Peru to the centuries-old superstitions of Persian midwives, Peter Bernhardt takes us on an absorbing tour of the strange points in history where the lives of people and plants have converged. For instance, we learn that the passion vine's name comes not from any properties its fruit has as an aphrodisiac but rather from the Jesuits' conviction that the vine's flower depicted Christ's passion on the cross. Bernhardt also chronicles the various bizarre medicinal powers ascribed to saffron the spice that's worth its weight in gold. Aside from the history and lore surrounding certain plants, Bernhardt also reveals the science behind their existence; recording each plant's remarkable life cycle. We are introduced to the Asian slipper orchid the subject of many of Robert Mapplethorpe's photographs and a plant whose survival strategies would have shocked even the controversial photographer. And we learn that, yes, every supermarket lettuce dies a virgin! Natural Affairs is both an impressive record of the botanical sciences and a thoroughly charming often quirky look at the histories and cultures of various societies. Peter Bernhardt's observations are always a delight whether he's on the hunt for wild orchids in Australian graveyards or in the lab recording plant structure and function. Natural Affairs offers a rare and informative glimpse into a magical world where wonders are ceaseless but, too often, unappreciated.