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May 19, 2010 – Seattle – The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, Inc. (CBHL) presented its eleventh Annual
Literature Awards on May 19, 2010. This presentation was made at the Bloedel Reserve
during the Council's 42nd Annual Meeting hosted by the Elisabeth C. Miller Library at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens.
The Annual Literature Award, created to recognize significant contributions to the literature of botany and horticulture,
honored two brilliant resources this year. Ireland's Wild Orchids: a Field Guide by Brendan Sayers and Susan Sex
and published by the authors won the 2010 award in the Technical category. The Brother Gardeners: Botany, Empire, and
the Birth of an Obsession by Andrea Wulf and published by Knopf
won the 2010 award in the General Interest category.
In addition to being richly illustrated with exquisite orchid portraits created by renowned botanical artist Susan Sex,
Ireland's Wild Orchids: a Field Guide also offers present day distribution maps and photographs of
these remarkable plants. The illustrations are coupled with the clear, succinct prose of Brendan Sayers to create
an eminently useful and valuable resource. With an effort to increase the awareness of the fragile and threatened beauty
of our natural work, this field guide (ring-bound with waterproof/tearproof pages) showcases the wondrous native orchids of
Ireland. The Annual Literature Award Committee "...was truly charmed by all the thoughtful innovations of this field guide,
as well as the truly remarkable botanical illustrations done by Susan Sex."
The Brother Gardeners: Botany, Empire, and the Birth of an Obsession by Andrea Wulf "...is the fascinating story of a small group of eighteenth-century naturalists who made Britain a nation of gardeners and the epicenter of horticultural and botanical expertise. It's the story of a garden revolution that began in America." Wulf's compelling work focuses on this passion for plants
and the impact on two nations of gardeners. Pat Jonas, director of Library Services at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and member of the Award Committee, stated "The author has woven a thoroughly engaging narrative for readers of popular history, but it is as entertaining for those with more specialized interest in garden history. Many U.S. readers will be surprised how rich this country's horticultural contributions were to England's gardens." According to the New York Times Book Review,
"Wulf's flair for storytelling is combined with scholarship, brio and a charmingly airy style."
The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, Inc. is the leading professional organization in the field of botanical and horticultural information services. It recognizes the critical importance of collecting, preserving, and making accessible the accumulated knowledge about plants for present and future generations. For more information, visit its web site at http://www.cbhl.net.
For more information: Contact Rita M. Hassert, 630-719-2430, rhassert@mortonarb.org |
2010 Award
The Brother Gardeners: Botany, Empire and the Birth of an Obsession
Ireland's Wild Orchids: a Field Guide
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