The "Curious" Life of Elizabeth Blackwell - Botanical Book History

Explore the fascinating history of Elizabeth Blackwell's "Curious Herbal" in this 47-minute video presentation by Will Beharrell, Librarian of the Linnean Society of London. Discover the story behind this beautiful botanical book, first published between 1737 and 1739, which contains 500 meticulously engraved images of medicinal plants. Learn how this unique passion project served as a desperate attempt by Blackwell to rescue her family from debt, showcasing her remarkable scientific and artistic achievements. Gain insights into the skill, determination, and endurance required to create this exceptional work, and understand why Elizabeth Blackwell is considered one of botany's unsung heroes. Delve into the expertise of Will Beharrell, who brings nearly a decade of experience in specialist and rare books collections to this presentation, and learn about his role in managing the Linnean Society's library service and the Linnaeus Link project.

Linnean Lens | The “Curious” Life of Elizabeth Blackwell