The Atlas of Poetic Botany by Francis Hallé

The Atlas of Poetic Botany by Francis Hallé

This book came out in 2018.

Imagine a world where trees walk, leaves are as big as awnings, and plants dance. This isn't a fairy tale; it's the reality of the rainforest, a verdant cathedral teeming with life. Francis Hallé, our intrepid guide, invites us on a botanical pilgrimage through this exotic realm.

With a passion bordering on obsession, Hallé has spent decades exploring the rainforest's hidden corners, unearthing botanical marvels that defy imagination. We encounter the Rafflesia arnoldii, a monstrous flower that emits a stench of rotting meat, and the walking tree, a botanical acrobat that defies gravity. We witness the underground trees, their leaves forming a carpet above, and the towering giants of Africa reaching for the heavens.

Hallé’s prose is a captivating blend of scientific rigor and poetic flair. He weaves tales of Queen Victoria's rubber tree and the legendary moabi; a tree said to grant invisibility. With each page, we are transported to a world where plants are more than just organisms; they are living, breathing beings with stories to tell.

But it's not just Hallé's words that captivate. His illustrations, rendered with a delicate touch, bring these extraordinary plants to life. They are more than mere depictions; they are invitations to contemplate the beauty and complexity of nature.

So, take this botanical adventure - a journey through a world that is both familiar and utterly alien - and marvel at the wonders of the rainforest, a place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the extraordinary becomes commonplace.

You can get a copy of The Atlas of Poetic Botany by Francis Hallé and support the show using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for under $10.