Brush with Gondwana is unique because it’s one of the first books in this genre I’ve come across that celebrates the artistic achievements of the Botanical Artists’ Group of WA (BAG), a group that formed (loosely) over a pot of tea in 1992. The book focusses on the seven permanent members of the BAG with each member given a chapter in which their ‘story’ is told. An intelligently written foreword explains the context of botanical illustration in Australia-a legacy of William Dampier and Joseph Banks-with both men making highly detailed visual records of the flora. In keeping with this legacy, the illustrations within-the highlight of the book-are stunning. A variety of floral species are presented, including fungi and native orchids. All of the illustrations are beautiful and interestingly presented, adorning the pages in imaginative positions. With high levels of detail and vivid colours-the talent and shared passions for both art and botany of this group-are apparent. For anyone with an interest in Australiana, Australian flora and art, this book would be a great gift.

Julia Jackson is a freelance reviewer and bookseller at Readings in Carlton

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