Moss and Lichen

Elizabeth Lawson is a naturalist, writer and lecturer specializing in horticulture and natural history. A resident of New York, Elizabeth is a former president of the American Primrose Society and her books include Primrose in Reaktion’s ‘Botanical’ series (2019).

"An excellent, accessible guide to the extraordinary diversity of these humble organisms." - H-Net"Among the smallest terrestrial photosynthetic organisms, mosses and lichens play pivotal ecological roles. And yet they are often, if not typically, overlooked. Elizabeth Lawson’s book succeeds in elevating these diminutive creatures by drawing our attention to their charm and importance. Beautifully written and illustrated, Moss and Lichen should be read by anyone who loves nature and appreciates its manifold complexity and splendour." - Karl J. Niklas, Cornell University, author of Plant Evolution: An Introduction to the History of Life"Elizabeth Lawson takes us on an intriguing journey across time, from early interests in observing organisms that occupy the cracks and crevices of our world to the people who investigate and interpret their lives and relationships – all with beautiful illustrations of the organisms and their world." - Pat Wolseley, Natural History Museum, lichenologist and former president of the British Lichen Society"A joyous celebration of its subjects . . . Moss and Lichen is a most welcome addition to the Botanical series. Whilst still delivering that all-important mix of plant-and-people to its subject matter, it boldly extends the series’ reach beyond the seed plants to so-called “lower” plants, and out into the fungal kingdom (and even to the bacterial realm with inclusion of cyanobacteria) . . . I consider Moss and Lichen a “must-read” for everybody who has any interest at all in people and/or plants." - Botany One

• Introduction: The Cryptogamic CarpetOne Curious VegetationTwo Moss: Versatile MinimalistThree Lichen: Complex IndividualityFour Moss and Lichen: Cosmopolitan ExtremophilesFive BoglandSix Moss and Lichen: Literary EcologySeven Curious ObserversEight #moss#lichenTimelineReferencesFurther ReadingAssociations and WebsitesAcknowledgementsPhoto AcknowledgementsIndex