The Orchid in Lore and Legend [Hardcover]

Luigi Berliocchi (Author), Mark Griffiths (Editor), Leonore Rosenberg (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

The orchid is the most evocative of flowers, inspiring in some of its admirers a fanaticism akin to madness, as demonstrated in Susan Orlean's "The Orchid Thief." This elegant survey of the orchid treats its place in legend and suggests the impact that these exotic plants---whose "exuberance and heavy, sensual beauty ... seemed to bear witness to some original sin"---had on the temperate European mind. Berliocchi chronicles the adventurers and scientists who introduced these marvels, discusses their place in the arts from literature and magic to cuisine and concludes with accounts of the most important genera and their cultivation. Splendidly illustrated with period engravings and botanical paintings, it is literate and delightful.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

A compelling and pleasurable translation makes accessible the late Berliocchi's amply researched cornucopia of orchid lore. Recounting ancient myths and tracing the tracks of plant explorers, Berliocchi investigates the spell cast by orchids. Moreover, this revelatory chronicle reaches back to prehistoric times to survey fossil remains, then goes forward to offer a detailed history of the flower's beguiling form and exotic beauty in art, literature, horticulture, and society. Elaborated upon by elegant color plates, the book also contains copious illustrations depicting botanical images and unforgettable individuals. Final chapters survey plant structure, genera, and cultural requirements. Berliocchi's perceptive and richly descriptive narrative is certain to please orchid lovers, and will most likely spark the interest of those who have yet to discover these fascinating flowers. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

A beautiful book and ... a valuable addition to the library of any orchid lover. -- www.bellaonline.com

A fascinating account of the impact of orchids on our lives, and an ideal gift for the orchidophile. -- Taxon, November 2000

A welcome addition to the growing genre of literary works devoted to orchids. -- Library Journal , October 15, 2000

Berliocchi's comprehensive handbook is both elegantly written and enriching. -- Publishers Weekly, September 4, 2000

Berliocchi’s comprehensive handbook is both elegantly written and enriching. -- Publisher’s Weekly

Exquisite botanical illustrations complement the definitive text. -- Rebecca Sawyer-Fay, Gardener, May/June 2001

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press, Incorporated (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881924911
• ISBN-13: 978-0881924916
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,532,014 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Mystery of Orchids, November 22, 2000

By 

K. Stewart (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Orchid in Lore and Legend (Hardcover)

This book delves into the history of orchids and their rise in popularity. Some of the topics covered include the culinary uses of orchids, orchids in literature and orchid lore involving religion.

There are several chapters covering historical aspects of several of the most popular orchid families. The final chapter gives a brief rundown of orchid culture today.

My favorites in this book are any of the marvelous line drawings of orchid plants and flowers. There are also several color plates included.

I'd highly recommend this to anyone interested in orchid lore and legends.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you are interested in orchids..., November 7, 2003

By 

Valerie Adolph "Coast Journal" (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Orchid in Lore and Legend (Hardcover)

I read this book not because I was interested in orchids but because I'm fascinated by the lore and legends of plants. It was so beautifully written and so informative that I became interested in orchids.

I had always felt that orchids were somehow a bit "over the top". I had no idea just how "over the top" they were. By the tie I read the chapter on myths and legends I was hooked, and when I finished "Patrons and Hunters" I couldn't put the book down. Just as well because I would have missed the story about vanilla being part of the Aztecs chocolate drink, and, of course, thought to be an aphrodisiac. Montezuma was said to drink it fifty times a day, especially before visiting one of his many wives.

The book also covers the literature and art of the orchid and the magic, medicine and religion related to it. There are also chapters on the plant, the genera and on growing orchids and a list of information and illustration sources. There are some colour photographs and, throughout the text, delicate engravings from a wide range of historical sources.

This is a very literate book. Not a long book - the writer does not belabour any of his points, but an interesting and thought-provoking read. If you are interested in orchids or fascinated by the history and legends of plants, this is a must read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Orchid in Lore and Legend, May 6, 2003

By 

Valerie Adolph "Coast Journal" (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Orchid in Lore and Legend (Hardcover)

Luigi Berliocchi Timber Press 1996 ISBN 0-88192-491-1 184 pages

I read this booknot because I was interested in orchids but because I'm fascinated by the lore and legends of plants. It was so beautifully written and so informative that I became interested in orchids.

I had always felt that orchids were somehow a bit "over the top". I had no idea just how "over the top" they were. By the tie I read the chapter on myths and legends I was hooked, and when I finished "Patrons and Hunters" I couldn't put the book down. Just as well because I would have missed the story about vanilla being part of the Aztecs chocolate drink, and, of course, thought to be an aphrodisiac. Montezuma was said to drink it fifty times a day, especially before visiting one of his many wives.

The book also covers the literature and art of the orchid and the magic, medicine and religion related to it. There are also chapters on the plant, the genera and on growing orchids and a list of information and illustration sources. There are some colour photographs and, throughout the text, delicate engravings from a wide range of historical sources.

This is a very literate book. Not a long book - the writer does not belabour any of his points, but an interesting and thought-provoking read. If you are interested in orchids or fascinated by the history and legends of plants, this is a must read.