Amazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery

Amazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery is a book by David Attenborough, Susan Owens, and Martin Clayton that explores the history of natural history illustration from the 15th to 18th centuries, focusing on works from the Royal Collection. It features exquisite drawings and watercolors by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Maria Sibylla Merian, and Mark Catesby, showcasing how art and science intertwined during the Age of Discovery to document the world's flora and fauna. The book combines Attenborough's commentary with expert analysis to highlight the role of these artists in scientific understanding.