Nature's palette The science of plant color

Nature's Palette will captivate the nonscientist as well as the scientist in everyone. Using a series of stories and personal anecdotes, Lee (Florida International Univ.) presents a fascinating description of the impact and importance of plants to people (both living and deceased) throughout the world. The book is beautifully illustrated and includes topics ranging from the nature and distribution of plant pigments in various plant parts (leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, and roots) to the use of plants to color skin as well as fabric. There are also chapters on iridescent plants and the always-popular topic, why leaves turn red. The science in the book is solid, but is presented in a clear, nonintimidating fashion. Nature's Palette will appeal to a wide audience. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty. L.M. Baird University of San Diego