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PUBLICATION

Amazing Rare Things

The art of natural history in the age of discovery

David Attenborough

With contributions by Martin Clayton, Rea Alexandratos and Susan Owens

244 pages

A true feast for anyone interested in natural history, this marvellous book makes the underappreciated artworks of a passionate, talented group widely accessible.

Publishers Weekly

Cover for Amazing Rare Things ©

Hardback, 245 × 195 mm, 160 colour illustrations
ISBN 978 1 902163 46 8

North American, Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Spanish rights sold

In Amazing Rare Things, Sir David Attenborough explores the art of natural history. With expert curators from the Royal Library, he examines the contributions of four great artists and one preeminent collector to this era of extraordinary scientific advances.

Beautifully illustrated with a selection of exquisite drawings and watercolours by Leonardo da Vinci, Alexander Marshal, Maria Sibylla Merian and Mark Catesby, and with works collected by Cassiano dal Pozzo, this book examines the engagement between art and nature, from Renaissance Italy to the New World of the Americas.

This unique and fascinating book shines a light on the role of artists in our exploration of the natural world.

Sir David Attenborough has brought the wonders of the natural world to an international audience through his award-winning books and broadcasts for more than 60 years.

Susan Owens is a former Assistant Curator of the Print Room, Royal Collection Trust.

Martin Clayton is Head of Prints and Drawings, Royal Collection Trust.

Rea Alexandratos is Project Co-ordinator for the Cassiano dal Pozzo Project.


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.