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Distributed for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Magnolias in Art and Cultivation

In 1999, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston reportedly paid $1.25 million for a single painting, Magnolias on Gold Velvet Cloth. A striking close-up of magnolia buds, this painting is just one high-profile example of the evocative power magnolias have on art and culture. Gardeners have revered the plants since they were first introduced into cultivation more than three hundred years ago, and they continue to be a showpiece addition to gardens. From serving as medicine in Japan and China, to dotting lawns and flags in the American South, magnolias are a true worldwide favorite.

Magnolias in Art and Cultivation celebrates our centuries-long love of this plant. The first illustrated book on magnolias, it is a perfect blend of science and art. All magnolia species are included along with nearly one hundred hybrids. Informative text and comprehensive botanical descriptions from magnolia experts are joined by breathtaking paintings created especially for the text. An educational and entertaining read, Magnolias in Art and Cultivation will delight anyone captivated by these beautiful plants.

See sample pages from the book (PDF format).


268 pages | 150 color plates | 10 x 13 | © 2014

Art: Art--General Studies

Biological Sciences: Botany


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Table of Contents

List of paintings
 
Foreword
 
Preface
 
Introduction
 
The story of the magnolia
 
Magnolia species, hybrids and cultivars
 
Acknowledgements
 
Bibliography
 
Index
 
Index of magnolia hybrids

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