NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1977. First American edition. X, 181pp; b&w illus. Gray paper backed with black cloth; dust jacket. Light toning to edges of boards and leaves, else near fine in an unclipped jacket toned at edges and with two short closed tears to rear panel. Signed by Lionni at half-title.
Nice copy of this illustrated taxonomy of fictional plants, including detailed descriptions of their physical traits, along with discussions of their equally fictional researchers, related ethnobotanies and folklore, etc. An impressive feat of literary imagination with clear affinities to the work of Borges and Calvino, as well as Luigi Serafini's celebrated Codex Seraphinianus (1981). One of the few titles intended for adult audiences by Netherlands-born writer and illustrator Leo Lionni (1910-1999), best known for his extensive work as an author and illustrator of children's books, and for his career as an advertising and magazine art director. Translated by Patrick Creagh.
