Botanical Prints from the Hortus Eystettensis: Selections from the Most Beautiful Botanical Book in the World

by Nicolas Barker

Originally published in 1613 by botanist-apothecary Basilius Besler, the Hortus Eystettensis is one of the greatest illustrated botanical books ever created. This work contains 27 full-colour prints, suitable for framing, of subjects including tulips, irises, lemons and artichokes.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810927438
• ISBN13: 9780810927438
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 10.6" x 14.8"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Perfect for home, school, or educational use

We got this book for visual aids teaching environmental community classes. But the prints are so beautiful (a post-Renaissance, almost Flemish, reminiscent of Jan Van Eyck). So we ended up framing a few of them and using them at home - in the kitchen and the solarium. The previous reviewer is correct - there are some better prints out there. But these are great, and, the book also includes a small encyclopedia entry on every plant, plus a brief explanation of the print.

great for framing

The quality of the prints is very good and they are a good size. The price is good enough to buy 2, one to use to frame and the other for the coffee table. Great photos!!

Unbelieveable Value

This book offers 27 beautiful, botanical prints in a variety of colors that are ideal for framing. (Between my sister, best friend and myself we're framing 20 of the 27). However, if you are looking for a nice coffee table book keep in mind that this is paper-backed. Also, if you are interested in reading about botanical prints this book has little narrative.

Beautiful, frameworthy prints!

In the 1600s, the Prince-Bishop of Eichsttt, Germany created a stunning garden filled with flowers, fruit, vegetables, trees and pleasure-houses, at the center of which was his palace. His intention was to recreate the Garden of Eden here on earth, and he searched everywhere for the rarest and most lovely of plants to include. His endeavor was documented by some of the best artists of the time, who drew these beautiful botanical images, which then were printed on the largest paper then made, and bound into books. Only a handful of these were hand-colored, to be offered for sale to those whose pockets were deep enough to afford them. The 27 images selected for this book are exquisitely printed, each measuring about 10" x 13". The colors are fresh and the paper stock has a beautiful, soft sheen and a good weight. These botanical illustrations are fine enough to be framed, and are useful as resource for the artist and designer. The first time I encountered these images was in poster form about 20 years ago. I loved them, and was so happy to see them offered again. The designs are elegant, some more graphic and modern than others, some more clearly antique. This book is worthwhile for all those who love botanical illustrations.