Basilius Besler's Florilegium. The Book of Plants

Botanical beauty shines through in Basilius Besler's Hortus Eystettensis, originally published in 1613. This exceptional work, renowned for its comprehensive collection of copperplate engravings, showcases the lush and diverse flora found in the iconic garden of Prince-Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen in Eichstätt, Bavaria. With 367 detailed engravings, Besler captured the vivid array of plants, categorized by the four seasons and following modern classification systems that encompass 90 families and 340 genera. Once hailed as an unmatched masterpiece by the eminent 18th-century botanist Carl Linnaeus, this work continues to be celebrated in the realm of botanical literature. Although the original gardens were destroyed in 1634 by Swedish forces, the Hortus Eystettensis remains a prized collectible, with first editions commanding more than $500,000 at auction. Taschen's modern edition ensures this historical beauty reaches a broader audience, preserving the garden's legacy. The Bibliotheca Universalis series by Taschen offers affordable treasures of art and science, embodying the company's mission to democratize access to cultural works since its inception in 1980.