MinxterBLOOM

This book is significant in book design as well as botany documentation.  The images are huge and true-to-life. Basilius Besler worked for the prince-bishop of Eichstaatt (Bavaria) in his extensive gardens. Said P-B wanted a codex or book documenting his garden.  The book's title translates as The Garden at Eichstaatt. Besler worked for more than 16 years on this project. 'Hortus' -- like 'herbal' -- has come to mean botanical compendium.

Key:  Left to Right 

Sunflower (Helianthis), Centaura, Narcisisus,  Calendula? 

Lilium, ?, Rosa, Paeonia 

Malva, Fritillairy,  Iris germanica Prickly pear cactus 

Hortus Eystettensis

von Basilius Besler

Nürnberg 1613

A facsimile edition of this important

hortus is available soon through this German Publisher.

  Visit the British Library web exhibit about this fine book.  See selected plates for sale here.  I covet Plate 186, which looks like Turk's Cap lily (Martagon species), though 'tis called hemerocallis, which we know as day lily.