Heaven on earthBotanical masterworks from the National Library of ViennaIn the pursuit of knowledge of pleasure, the art of botanical illustration has always required not only meticulous draughtsmanship, but also a rigorous scientific understanding. To record the form, colour, and details of different plant species requires both accuracy and aesthetic skill.From Byzantine manuscripts to 19th century masterworks, this Bibliotheca Universalis edition traces the botanical tradition with the finest botanical manuscripts from the National Library of Vienna. In exquisite color reproductions, it showcases the skill involved in portraying plants for scientific purposes, for the historical record of vanishing species, or for the simple celebration of the beauty and variety of the natural world. About the Series:Bibliotheca Universalis Compact cultural companions celebrating the eclectic TASCHEN universe at an unbeatable, democratic price!Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, the name TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible, open-minded publishing. Bibliotheca Universalis brings together nearly 100 of our all-time favorite titles in a neat new format so you can curate your own affordable library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia.