Cactus
Will be published approx. on 1. April 2017
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-1-78023-722-0 (ISBN)
Description
Cacti are full of contradictions. They can be found in some of the harshest, driest and most barren environments on earth, yet some are delicate tropical plants that grow high among the branches of the rainforest canopy. Many cacti bristle with ferocious-looking spines, while others are completely bare. Nearly all exhibit remarkable floral displays - some having flowers that are even larger than the plant itself.
Cacti have played a prominent role in human history for thousands of years. Some species were revered by ancient civilizations, playing a part in their religious ceremonies; other varieties have been heavily cultivated for food or for the production of the bright red dye cochineal - which is actually derived from a parasitic insect that feeds on the prickly pear cactus. Native to the American continents, cacti have spread worldwide and have become an important feature in many gardens and collections. Although not often in the culinary forefront of people's minds, a number of varieties of cacti are delicious to eat - 'dragon fruit', produced by the cactus species Hylocereus undatus, is fast becoming one of the world's most popular tropical treats.
Cactus explores the natural, cultural and social history of cacti, and their representation throughout the world in literature, cinema, animation, art and design, and popular culture. This is a highly original, entertaining and richly illustrated book that will appeal to everyone with an interest in cacti.
Cacti have played a prominent role in human history for thousands of years. Some species were revered by ancient civilizations, playing a part in their religious ceremonies; other varieties have been heavily cultivated for food or for the production of the bright red dye cochineal - which is actually derived from a parasitic insect that feeds on the prickly pear cactus. Native to the American continents, cacti have spread worldwide and have become an important feature in many gardens and collections. Although not often in the culinary forefront of people's minds, a number of varieties of cacti are delicious to eat - 'dragon fruit', produced by the cactus species Hylocereus undatus, is fast becoming one of the world's most popular tropical treats.
Cactus explores the natural, cultural and social history of cacti, and their representation throughout the world in literature, cinema, animation, art and design, and popular culture. This is a highly original, entertaining and richly illustrated book that will appeal to everyone with an interest in cacti.
Reviews / Votes
A wide-ranging social and cultural history of cacti that champions a family of plants usually neglectedby gardeners . . . The most entertaining chapter is an account of the anthropomorphic view of cacti in films, television, comics and art. Cactus 'men' seem to have been around, in some form or other, since the 19th century. Subjects such as the long history of the cactus in art, or the use of the plant as food are covered in a deft
and often amusing way. The book is learned and well-researched but always easy to read and full of fascinating anecdotes . . . an engaging insight into a fascinating group of plants. * Gardens Illustrated * This fascinating title puts the horticultural specifics of the Cactaceae family in the spotlight, and explores
their social and cultural impacts on society . . . The worldwide popularity of cacti is well documented
in these pages through interesting commentary and images. * Gardening Australia * This delightful series is accessible and worthwhile for general readers who are interested in plants, history, or art. Covering the history of human interaction with cacti and especially cactus-inspired art, this work is a fascinating ingress into all things cacti . . . This work will appeal to a broad range of readers . . . Highly recommended. * Choice * Cacti's diverse appearance and survival tactics have made them not just the focus of gardeners and photographers from desert to tropical regions, they have inspired sculptors, painters, filmmakers and writers, and been used by cooks (think dragon fruit) and for their therapeutic qualities such as pain relief and antibacterial properties. The prickly pear was even revered by early civilisations such as the Aztecs. All this, just for a cactus? Look and learn with this entertaining book that uncovers the rich natural, cultural and social history of a plant with attitude. * Reader's Digest * Torre's book looks at cacti in art, literature, linguistic phrases and popular culture. There are cactus fences, cactus medicines and cactus societies. For a family of plants that has, at times, been widely loathed, it has managed to permeate every aspect of our lives. * The Age, Australia * Gardeners spend much of the winter biding their time. A shelfful of handsome new books will tide them over. . . . [In Cactus,] celebrate cacti through art, literature, and culture. * Better Homes and Gardens *
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
117 illustrations, 101 in colour
Dimensions
Height: 223 mm
Width: 141 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
566 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78023-722-0 (9781780237220)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Dan Torre is Senior Lecturer in the School of Design at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. His writing and research span a range of topics including design, animation and botanical studies. He is an avid grower and collector of plants, and the author of Cactus (2017) and Carnivorous Plants (2019), both published by Reaktion Books.