The history of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew - Ray Desmond

This is the definitive history of the world's greatest botanic garden. Comprehensively revised, this stunning, richly illustrated reference takes in every aspect of Kew's history over two centuries - from its origin, pivotal roles in collecting, classifying and identifying the world's plants, the commercial crops it gave to the British Empire, to being a world renowned institution at the cutting edge of plant science. Kew's heritage - the herbarium, art and architecture, from Kew Palace and Burton's great Palm House to the Princess of Wales Conservatory, state of the art laboratories and new Davies Alpine House - is illustrated and described, together with the events leading to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2003. Lastly, it is a social history of the Gardens, and of the scientists, architects, designers and gardeners who have made Kew. Detailed appendices and bibliography have been updated, and two new chapters added, bringing the book up to date as the authoritative reference work on Kew, its history and function.