Emily Dickinson's Herbarium: A Facsimile Edition

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In a letter from 1845, the 14-year-old Emily Dickinson asked her friend Abiah Root if she had started collecting flowers and plants for a "it would be such a treasure to you; 'most all the girls are making one." Emily's own album of more than 400 pressed flowers and plants, carefully preserved, has long been a treasure of Harvard's Houghton Library. This beautifully produced, slipcased volume now makes it available to all readers interested in the life and writings of Emily Dickinson. The care that Emily put into her herbarium, as Richard Sewall points out, goes far beyond what one might expect of a botany student her "Take Emily's herbarium far enough, and you have her ." The close observation of nature was a lifelong passion, and Emily used her garden flowers as emblems in her poetry and her correspondence. Each page of the album is reproduced in full color at full size, accompanied by a transcription of Dickinson's handwritten labels. Introduced by a substantial literary and biographical essay, and including a complete botanical catalog and index, this volume will delight scholars, gardeners, and all readers of Emily Dickinson's poetry.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25,2006

About the author

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Emily Dickinson was an American poet who, despite the fact that less than a dozen of her nearly eighteen hundred poems were published during her lifetime, is widely considered one of the most original and influential poets of the 19th century.

Dickinson was born to a successful family with strong community ties, she lived a mostly introverted and reclusive life. After she studied at the Amherst Academy for seven years in her youth, she spent a short time at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary before returning to her family's house in Amherst. Thought of as an eccentric by the locals, she became known for her penchant for white clothing and her reluctance to greet guests or, later in life, even leave her room. Most of her friendships were therefore carried out by correspondence.

Although Dickinson was a prolific private poet, fewer than a dozen of her nearly eighteen hundred poems were published during her lifetime.The work that was published during her lifetime was usually altered significantly by the publishers to fit the conventional poetic rules of the time. Dickinson's poems are unique for the era in which she wrote; they contain short lines, typically lack titles, and often use slant rhyme as well as unconventional capitalization and punctuation.Many of her poems deal with themes of death and immortality, two recurring topics in letters to her friends.

Although most of her acquaintances were probably aware of Dickinson's writing, it was not until after her death in 1886—when Lavinia, Emily's younger sister, discovered her cache of poems—that the breadth of Dickinson's work became apparent. Her first collection of poetry was published in 1890 by personal acquaintances Thomas Wentworth Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd, both of whom heavily edited the content.

A complete and mostly unaltered collection of her poetry became available for the first time in 1955 when The Poems of Emily Dickinson was published by scholar Thomas H. Johnson. Despite unfavorable reviews and skepticism of her literary prowess during the late 19th and early 20th century, critics now consider Dickinson to be a major American poet.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/emily-di...

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 56 votes)
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56 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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This bilingual anthology of Dickinson's botanical poems is precious, with her adolescent herbarium in the middle of the English and Spanish versions. Eva's translation has helped me a great deal with some poems where I got lost in English. I think it has a lot of rhythm and makes them very musical.

In general, I loved the idea and the edition is very beautiful. It is quite large so that you can see the plants in detail. Although I would have liked a list of all the plants in the herbarium, there is a list of references with numbers of those that appear later in some poem. In addition, I found a complete list here: http://www.earlywomenmasters.net/dick...

In general, I am very excited imagining Dickinson, who later spent so much time of her life secluded, in her adolescence picking the little plants and enjoying learning their names and characteristics to then pour it all into her poetry. It is very beautiful, 100% recommendable and a super good companion for the days that are getting longer and spring that is approaching.
July 15,2025
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Una bellísima edición.

This is truly a magnificent edition. It stands out for its remarkable beauty and attention to detail. Every aspect of it seems to have been精心 crafted to perfection.

The design is sleek and modern, yet it also manages to retain a certain charm and elegance. The colors used are harmonious and pleasing to the eye, creating a visually stunning experience.

Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also offers great functionality. It is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible to a wide range of people.

Overall, this edition is a masterpiece. It combines beauty and functionality in a way that is truly remarkable. It is sure to be a favorite among those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and quality.

Whether you are a collector or simply someone who enjoys beautiful things, this edición is definitely worth having. It is a true gem that will bring joy and satisfaction for years to come.
July 15,2025
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Best Herbrarium Ever!


The herbrarium I visited recently was truly the best. It was a haven for plant enthusiasts and researchers alike. As I walked through its halls, I was amazed by the vast collection of plant specimens neatly arranged and labeled. Each one told a story of its origin and characteristics. The attention to detail was remarkable, with preserved leaves, flowers, and stems展示ing the beauty and diversity of the plant world. The herbrarium also had a dedicated research area where scientists were hard at work studying the specimens and making new discoveries. It was inspiring to see their passion and dedication. Overall, this herbrarium was not only a great place to learn about plants but also a source of inspiration for anyone interested in the natural world.

July 15,2025
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Poemas 10/10

Edición 10/10

I haven't read half of it yet, but more books need to be added. Don't think there is a shortage of years.

This article seems to express the author's current situation regarding reading. They have not completed half of the reading of a particular work, which might be the "Poemas 10/10" in the "Edición 10/10". At the same time, the author realizes that there is a need to add more books to their reading list. It could be that they feel the existing materials are not sufficient or they want to explore a wider range of literary works. The last sentence, "no veas que escasez de año", might imply that they don't want to waste time and want to make the most of their reading experience by continuously adding new books and expanding their knowledge.

Overall, this short article gives a glimpse into the author's reading habits and their motivation to keep adding to their literary collection.
July 15,2025
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Maravillosa edición botánica de una de las mejores poetas de la literatura.

Sencilla a la vez que íntima y natural, la voz de Dickinson es romero en flor.

Emily Dickinson's works are like precious botanical specimens, each poem a unique flower绽放ing with beauty and深意. Her simple yet intimate and natural writing style makes her voice as charming as a blooming rose.

This botanical edition showcases the diverse range of her poetic creations, from the delicate and fragile to the bold and vibrant.

Readers can explore the rich world of Dickinson's poetry, discover the hidden meanings within her words, and be inspired by her unique perspective on life, love, and nature.

Whether you are a lover of poetry or a newcomer to the world of literature, this edition is sure to delight and captivate you.

So come and embark on a journey through the botanical garden of Emily Dickinson's poetry, and let her words transport you to a place of beauty, inspiration, and wonder.
July 15,2025
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This sentence "O bonitísimo que é este libro sos" seems to be in Portuguese and it means "How very beautiful this book of yours is". It's a simple yet lovely expression of admiration for a book.

Perhaps the person who said this was truly captivated by the appearance, the content, or the overall charm of the book. It could be a well-designed cover, beautifully written prose, or a story that touched their heart.

When we encounter something that we find extremely beautiful, it's natural to express our appreciation. This phrase shows the intensity of the person's admiration.

Maybe this book will become a cherished possession for them, something they will return to again and again to experience its beauty.

Overall, this simple sentence tells us a lot about the power of a beautiful book to evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
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A great facsimile of the original herbarium was presented. It was truly fascinating to observe what Emily Dickinson had collected. The book was extremely difficult to locate, yet the Jones Library managed to find it for me from a local college. This shows the remarkable efforts and resources that libraries possess. Libraries are indeed wonderful institutions. They serve as a treasure trove of knowledge, housing rare and valuable materials that might otherwise be inaccessible. The Jones Library's ability to source this particular book is a testament to its commitment to providing its patrons with unique and interesting reading materials. It not only enriches our understanding of Emily Dickinson's work but also gives us a glimpse into her personal interests and the world she lived in. Libraries play a crucial role in preserving and sharing our cultural heritage, and we should be grateful for their existence.

July 15,2025
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Certainly, this new poet has quickly become a favorite! Their work is not only glorious but also denotes a truly brilliant mind. The words seem to dance on the page, captivating the reader from the very first line. It is a joy to read and reread, as each time new nuances and meanings emerge. The poet's unique perspective and use of language make their work stand out from the rest. It is clear that they have a gift for expressing complex emotions and ideas in a way that is both accessible and profound. I can't wait to see what else this talented poet has in store for us.

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