Nature’s Fabric

By David Lee Chicago University Press £26.50

The idea behind this book is charming and ingenious – to connect us to nature through its foliage. Most of us have probably marvelled at the myriad forms of leaves that plants use to create or catch food, and, on occasion, defend themselves. This readable, authoritative tome tells us everything we should know about these natural powerhouses – their role in culture; their biology and anatomy; their relationships with their environment; and how they inspire us. There is something for everyone here. Christina Harrison Science writer