From humble beginnings in the mid-18th
century, Archibald Menzies came to be regarded as one of the foremost
plant collectors of his time, providing many of the flowers grown in our
gardens today. Starting as a gardener in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh,
he trained as a naval surgeon and saw action at the critical Battle of the
Saints in 1782:a graphic account is given of the conditions of his gruesome
work on board. The highpoint of his career was his journey as ship’s naturalist
aboard HMS Discovery, which under Captain George Vancouver surveyed
the Northwest coast of America between 1791 and 1795. His relationship with the
irascible Vancouver deteriorated dramatically when he was put under arrest for
in subordination on the journey home. Menzies story, much of it based on his
unpublished journal, is one of high adventure when the British Empire was
expanding across the globe. Towards the end of his long life, Menzies was
recognised as an important pioneer who laid down the foundations of North
American botany.
Forthcoming publication by James McCarthy published by Whittles Publishing in association with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Due to be published January 2008.
Pre-publication price £20 plus p&p available until 17 December 2007 (thereafter £25 plus p&p). Click here to see a pdf flyer with more information (379 KB).