The Metamorphosis of Flowers [Hardcover]

Marie Perennou (Author), Claude Nuridsany (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

The development of nearly 20 species of wild flowers has, for this book, been caught on film using macrophotography, which produces larger-than-life stop-action images. They depict the flowers' life from the bud brimming with nectar and the unfolding of petals to the beauty of full bloom and then, after fading and shrinking, the fall of the corolla. Following a meditation on flowers, the text provides information on all the photographed species, which include irises, daisies, buttercups, cornflowers, thistles and dandelions. An eight-page section printed on translucent paper enables readers to follow the evolution of a bright red poppy.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The growth of 18 species of wildflowers is caught on film, using the process of macrophotography. The resultant color photographs--108 in number--gorgeously capture the flowers from their delicate buds, to the unfolding of their petals, to full bloom, to the breakdown of the corolla. The engaging text provides information on each of the plants; these include cornflowers, thistles, irises, dandelions, nasturtiums, columbines, buttercups, and daisies. An eight-page section printed on translucent paper allows readers to witness the evolution of a poppy. The text and photographs of French biologists Nuridsany and Perennou will be of interest to nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. George Cohen

Review

"The text and photographs of French biologists Nuridsany and Pérennou will be of interest to nature enthusiasts and photographers alike." -- Booklist --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 142 pages
• Publisher: Harry N Abrams (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810936259
• ISBN-13: 978-0810936256
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 10 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,382,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous and unusual take on flowers, March 1, 2000

By 

"hessbug" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Metamorphosis of Flowers (Hardcover)

This is an absolutely stunning book visually - from a purely aesthetic point of view, and as documentation of the way flowers change from bud to demise. There is also some interesting text accompanying, and a number of lovely poems and quotes.

For anyone who is a flower lover, a lover of nature, or a photographer, this book is a "can't go wrong" Also makes a great and unusual gift.

5.0 out of 5 stars Photography + Botany, February 11, 2010

By 

Theseus "theseus" (US of A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Metamorphosis of Flowers (Hardcover)

A surprising and delightful piece of work from Abrams.

This is a process book about flowers: their changes from bud to bloom. Saturated colors, palpable textures are reinforced by an evocative (but never "artsy") text. The total effect is a surprisingly intimate experience, reminiscent of Singer's Bontanic Magnifica without the big price tag.

A novel design features some fold-outs and cut-outs, all designed with precision and elegance. Cloth over hardback boards with dustjacket, sewn binding, 141 pp. color illustrations throughout.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sumptuous, September 12, 2009

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ohbarb! "ohbarb" (northern california) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Metamorphosis of Flowers (Hardcover)

if you love flowers and words, buy this book. Every photo and every word is poetry. A great gift to give to lovers of beauty.