Carolus Clusius Towards a Cultural History of a Renaissance Naturalist

Carolus Clusius (Arras 1526-Leiden 1609) was one of the most eminent botanists of the European Renaissance. His name is closely connected with the introduction of many exotic plants in Europe, in particular the tulip. In this volume a group of distinguished scholars explore his role in both the botanical renaissance and the genesis of botany as a field of study. Clusius’ wide-ranging correspondence provides a rich source of information and documents the formation of the European community of naturalists. These interdisciplinary essays will fascinate anyone interested in natural history, the history of science, and Renaissance culture.