Writer and educator, Edward Bent PLANT-LIFE, a Walk with Nature

Writer and educator, Edward Bent

An editorial project by writer and educator, Edward Bent, uniting scientific research with art-work, environmental aesthetics and philosophical reflections. The aim is to reveal, through plant enlightenment, the essential principles of nature that suggest ways to mitigate climate change and the loss of biodiversity.

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The new book, PLANT-LIFE, a Walk with Nature, published 2022, is now available.

PLANT-LIFE, a Walk with Nature
by Edward Bent

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English Language

Now Available

Although this book is in English, the author is confident that a considerable readership resides on the European continent (EU).

PLANT-LIFE, a Walk with Nature
by Edward Bent

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“A unique and intriguing book with plenty to offer the botanist, naturalist or anyone with an interest in nature and conservation. Thought provoking”. David Swales, BSc, MBNA British Naturalists Association. A fascinating and educational work on the curiosities and wonders of plant-life, in relation to the surrounding environment and wilderness. Truly revolutionary, in uniting scientific detail and research, especially in plant physiology and ecology, with artistic aspects of the kingdom of plants, illustrated by wildflower species, added to by philosophical reflections on aesthetics and the epistemology of nature. Few books attempt to distil academic research on many angles of plant-life, into a form more accessible to students, teachers and interested readers.
Make plants, their environment and nature, more meaningful, illustrated by wildflowers. Structured as a walk in the countryside, where botany, art and philosophy interact. A well-illustrated book of 240 pages, reviewed by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.

“The intention is laudable. The author wants us to appreciate (plant) complexities to celebrate their beauty and to look more closely into their form and function at the dynamic lives of roots and leaves, and at the evolutionary complexities that lie behind biodiversity. The text comes alive when the author discusses specific examples. Having gained a better appreciation of plants, we examine our role as caretakers, and how we need personal values and indeed imaginative art, quite as much as science, to fulfil it. It’s very ambitious”. Peter Marren in BSBI News 154, September 2023. Peter Marren is a well-known British writer, journalist and naturalist.

The style is somewhat intricate, but if you read it patiently, there are valuable facts and insights to absorb.
“The richness of plant-life is often overlooked, leading to what experts call ‘plant blindness’. This is exactly what this book overcomes. It examines many aspects of plant science and offers fascinating links to other disciplines”. Dr. Luciana Zedda, Activist in biodiversity projects - design, implementation and education. The comprehensive bibliography opens-up a world of research for readers who wish to study further. The author utilizes his multifarious experience in horticulture, teaching and writing, to reveal the essential principles of nature, characterized by order and principle that drive biodiversity and evolution through nature’s dynamic instability.
“This is a fascinating and intriguing book, which has captured my heart. Its passionate connections to wild nature, resonates with my soul and of course with my art practice. It is compelling and informative and I am sure to re-visit the book many times”.
Acclaimed British artist, Yvonne Coomber.
Her paintings feature flowering stems and branches overlying one another in a wild, natural manner. An example is published in the book on page 35, highlighting artistic appreciation and joy found in natural vegetation. This aspect underlies the author’s wish to explore plants and nature in more than one dimension.
“A wonderful reference book as an insight into the marvels and complexities of nature”. Mary Bartlett. MA, FLS. Horticulturalist, gardener and teacher. The book’s holistic approach, includes practical activities relating to art & crafts and the recreation of walking and botanizing. By closer observation, we begin to recognize the beauty and spatial relationships developed by plants in given ecosystems.
“A guide to a different engagement with nature, to better appreciate the message it has for us, its whole life and identity”. Philip Franses, Former senior lecturer in holistic science. While the book focuses on herbaceous wildflower species, the information is relevant to plants in general. The book is adult non-fiction. Its straightforward language and abundance of captivating illustrations, appeal to a wide-ranging and multi-level readership; it can be read in different ways at different levels. Also contributing to an environmental consciousness and spiritual growth.
“I often lead walks and will be using the information in this book on all future walks. A fascinating and exceptional book”. Roy Stewart. MSc, FIBMS, FLS, FRSB, MBNA British Naturalists Association, former university lecturer. As a textbook, it aims to inspire students, teachers and course-work at secondary school, higher and continuous adult education. It is indeed an adventurous approach that makes the book highly versatile; a resource for plant science and wildflowers, hiking and botanizing, art-work, biodiversity, education & life-style. While each chapter stands on its own, the book evolves from a study of plants, their impact on human beings and vice versa, in an era of climate change and the promise of interplanetary exploration.
A truly remarkable journey through the vast insights provided. I found myself surrounded by new, exciting pieces of information and ideas that had never crossed my mind. I see this book as a tool to step back from the overwhelming spew of data to bridge the elegance and profound simplicity, yet complexity, of the natural world and how it all ties back to our own existence and understanding of self, science, and life. It is truly remarkable how much thought and insight are captured within these pages”. Wendy L. Zellner Ph.D., Zellner’s Research Solutions, LLC, and University of Toledo, USA.

Some people walk on the wild side, others just walk!

Looking for a challenging read, or a gift for like-minded friends, colleagues or family? If you’re game, order your copy of my book ‘PLANT-LIFE, a Walk with Nature’ online from The Great British Bookshop or the Natural History Book Service via this website and don’t forget to check-out the book reviews and the blog section. Please spread the message.

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Latest Book Reviews:
Sarah Webley, South London Botanical Institue
Joanne Graeser, Natural History Book Service
Nicola Sabin, The Herb Society
Ro FitzGerald, for the Wild Flower Society

Author Details

Edward Bent, writer and educator, has a degree in botany from the University of Hull. He has extensive experience, from research to marketing and promotion. After his teaching experience in East Africa and as a qualified teacher in the UK, he became a founder director of the plant breeding company, Floranova Ltd, UK. After transferring to Italy, he became a self-employed professional providing consultancy work and as a writer, many feature articles were published in leading publications of the trade press, internationally. Also, by two publishers In Italy, a series of books on garden plants, the use of bioactive silicon in agriculture, and plant biodiversity. For years, he was engaged to promote the international status of the Miflor (Fiera Milano) trade exhibition. He also organized inward and outward trade and professional missions in Europe and China. After producing a series of botanical art compositions, exploring spatial relationships in plant communities, he was inspired to research and write this book, reflecting his understanding of plants and the ways of nature.

SYNTHESIS

Cover price £21

Author: Edward Bent

Self-published (2022) Printed in the UK

Paperback, format A5, 240 pages, fully illustrated with over 100 fine colour images and original diagrams. Complete with index, glossary and comprehensive bibliography.

ISBN: 979-12-210-0957-6

Key Words: plants, nature, wildflowers, botany, botanizing, ecology, walking, hiking, natural history, environmental education, wilderness, botanizing, fieldwork, art & philosophy, arts & crafts, students, teachers, course-work, holism, multi-level readership.

READERSHIP

This book is addressed to: naturalists, those interested in nature & conservation, botanists and biologists, ecologists, environmentalists, gardeners, excursionists and guides, hikers, students and teachers (outdoor pursuits, learning outside the classroom). Interest is expected from public and private institutions through their membership: e.g.: local government, administrators of parks & gardens, nature & wildlife reserves, botanical gardens, natural history museums. Secondary readership: artists and artisans, architects and photographers, interested general public.

FURTHER DETAILS

Well-researched botanical science on environmental challenges and the ways in which wildflower species respond, illustrated by new diagrams;
Consideration of art in nature and nature in art plus carefully selected artistically meaningful photographic images and informative captions;
Philosophical reflection and questioning on the order and principle of nature in plant evolution and biodiversity;
Information of interest for course work, field studies, botanizing and organizing walks;
Effects of human activities and technology leading to climate change and our disassociation from nature;
Provocative, wake-up catchphrases, encapsulating various arguments in the book. A glossary of definitions, extensive bibliography and index.

Self Publishing

The self-published book PLANT-LIFE, a Walk with Nature, by Edward Bent, stands up well against other books produced by more traditional publishing houses. In the past, self-published books have carried the stigma of being inferior in content when compared to works published in the more traditional press. Self-publishing was seen as the second choice for those who failed to find a publisher, but this is not situation today. In addition, ordinary publishers are often more interested in brands, well-known authors, personalities in the media, politics, and sports - taking key from television series and documentaries, people already in the limelight, to guarantee profitable sales with highly focused content, assisted by book fairs and signing events. Today, readers have a wider choice and can be more discerning and demanding.