Cactus: (Botanical)

In Cactus  Dan Torre uniquely explores the natural, cultural and social history of cacti, with particular emphasis on how these remarkable plants have been represented in art, literature, cinema, animation and popular culture around the world. This is a highly original, entertaining and informative book that will appeal to everyone with an interest in cacti. Listen to Dan being interviewed on ABC Melbourne Afternoon here.

About the Author :
Dan Torre is Senior Lecturer in the School of Design at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. His writing and research span a range of topics including design, animation and botanical studies. He is an avid grower and collector of plants, and the author of Cactus (2017) and Carnivorous Plants (2019), both published by Reaktion Books.

Review :
A wide-ranging social and cultural history of cacti that champions a family of plants usually neglected by gardeners . . . The most entertaining chapter is an account of the anthropomorphic view of cacti in films, television, comics and art. Cactus ‘men’ seem to have been around, in some form or other, since the 19th century. Subjects such as the long history of the cactus in art, or the use of the plant as food are covered in a deft and often amusing way. The book is learned and well-researched but always easy to read and full of fascinating anecdotes . . . an engaging insight into a fascinating group of plants. This fascinating title puts the horticultural specifics of the Cactaceae family in the spotlight, and explores their social and cultural impacts on society . . . The worldwide popularity of cacti is well documented in these pages through interesting commentary and images. This delightful series is accessible and worthwhile for general readers who are interested in plants, history, or art. Covering the history of human interaction with cacti and especially cactus-inspired art, this work is a fascinating ingress into all things cacti . . . This work will appeal to a broad range of readers . . . Highly recommended. Cacti’s diverse appearance and survival tactics have made them not just the focus of gardeners and photographers from desert to tropical regions, they have inspired sculptors, painters, filmmakers and writers, and been used by cooks (think dragon fruit) and for their therapeutic qualities such as pain relief and antibacterial properties. The prickly pear was even revered by early civilisations such as the Aztecs. All this, just for a cactus? Look and learn with this entertaining book that uncovers the rich natural, cultural and social history of a plant with attitude. Torre’s book looks at cacti in art, literature, linguistic phrases and popular culture. There are cactus fences, cactus medicines and cactus societies. For a family of plants that has, at times, been widely loathed, it has managed to permeate every aspect of our lives. Gardeners spend much of the winter biding their time. A shelfful of handsome new books will tide them over. . . . [In Cactus,] celebrate cacti through art, literature, and culture.