The LuEsther T. Mertz Library of The New York Botanical Garden houses one of the greatest collections of botanical and horticultural works on the planet. Eight centuries of rare books, stunning botanical artworks, illustrated manuscripts, medieval herbals, exquisite garden prints and flower books, nursery catalogs, explorers’ notebooks, and more are contained within. First printed illustration of Anthrium gladifolium. Colored lithograph based on W. Liepoldt, 1879 American Bog Plants. Aquatint with additional hand coloring by Thomas Sutherland from Robert Thornton's Temple of Flora, 1807 To commemorate the treasures contained in the library an exhibition Flora Illustrata is underway featuring more than 50 books and objects...
Publisher’s Clearing House Presents: No Garden-Variety Library
Next time you impatiently yank an over-sized envelope emblazoned with the words: "You May Have Already Won 10 Million Dollars!!!" out of your junk-filled mailbox, take a moment to say: "Thanks." Without Publisher's Clearing House, the New York Botanical Garden might not havea library.The Botanical Garden's LuEsther T. Mertz Library is named for its largest benefactor, the genius behind the concept of the mass market mailing of multiple magazine subscription offers. Founded in 1953 by former librarian Mertz, her husband, and their daughter, Publisher's Clearing House became the largest and most profitable magazine circulation agency in the world. (And this...