Lichenpedia A Brief Compendium
Lichenpedia A Brief Compendium by Kay Hurley, published by Princeton University Press on May 28, 2024, is an illustrated mini-encyclopedia that explores the fascinating world of lichens. This 192-page book presents a collection of 100 brief entries that delve into the unique roles lichens play in nature, their uses in various industries, and their influence on artists and writers throughout history. The lively writing style makes complex topics accessible, inviting readers to discover the remarkable diversity and significance of these organisms.
In Lichenpedia, readers will find vivid descriptions of lichen biology, environmental roles, and emerging uses, alongside insights into the scientific history and myths surrounding these organisms. The book highlights the various forms lichens can take and their surprising interactions with wildlife, from reindeer to tardigrades. With charming illustrations by Susan Adele Edwards, this edition aims to enhance appreciation for lichens, revealing their hidden presence in our surroundings and their resilience in extreme environments.
Official synopsis Publisher
An illustrated mini-encyclopedia about the weird and wonderful world of lichens
Lichenpedia is a delightfully entertaining and beautifully illustrated A–Z treasury about the strange, obscure, and remarkable world of lichens, from their unique and essential roles in nature and the ways they are used in dyeing, brewing, and drug-making to how they have inspired writers and artists, from Henry David Thoreau to modern painters.
In 100 brief entries written in a vivid, lively style, Kay Hurley introduces key aspects of lichen biology, environmental roles, emerging uses, scientific history, and myth. She describes the variety of forms that lichens take, from leafy to filamentous to things reminiscent of skin diseases, with imaginative names like witch’s hair. She explains the surprising ways that birds and beasts—from reindeer and moose down to tiny tardigrades—use lichens, and how lichens survive in extreme environments, from deserts to Antarctica to outer space. Hurley also introduces some of the innovators who have advanced the knowledge of lichens, from the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus to today’s professional lichenologists.
With charming drawings by Susan Adele Edwards, Lichenpedia promises to put you in touch with the natural world in a new way by opening your eyes to these vital organisms, which are all around us, hidden in plain sight.
- Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design
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