Ernest Henry Wilson (1876–1930)

Something of a disappointment, even allowing for the changes in style between its writing and the modern day. This book covers the flora of Southern Africa and Australasia. but there is actually very little about plant-hunting in it. Most of the content consists of an overview of the history and geography of the region, and this us very dull prose, followed by an extensive survey of the flora. Only four of the twenty-nine chapters actually cover those who explored the region and disseminated the plants. Even these generally concentrate on the historical context e.g. Masson, Banks; and of Wilson himself there is almost nothing.And yet there are some really well-written chapters such as his visit to Victoria Falls, but unfortunately too little.… (mais)