Hailing from the Netherlands, poet, novelist, and artist Miek Zwamborn delves into the fascinating history of seaweed. With references to scientific records and documented findings, the dense, eloquent prose provides intricate details of many marine algae varieties. In addition to describing the unique features of different types of seaweed, the author explains problems associated with its overabundance and the effects of climate change, as well as its many uses and benefits. Examples of the ways seaweed has been used or featured over time in works of art, textiles, industry, poetry, film, song, and story are included. The many sketches, photographs, paintings, and images of other mediums – some artistic and others scientific in nature – are accompanied by descriptive captions and citations. Watercolour paintings of seaweed varieties with in-depth descriptions of each, and a collection of recipes featuring seaweed, conclude the book.

192 pp., 5.25 × 7.5", colour and b&w photographs and illustrations, maps • Bibliography • Index

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

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MIEK ZWAMBORN is a visual artist, author, and translator. After studying fine arts in Amsterdam, she worked as a lock keeper for fifteen years. She works and lives on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

“Combining her talent for words and pictures, Zwamborn invites us to share in her newfound passion. The result is like the seaweed she describes so well: wild and enchanting.”
—5 Media

“Unique, fun, informative, and profusely, beautifully illustrated, Seaweed, An Enchanting Miscellany is an extraordinary and inherently fascinating descriptive history, value, artistic and culinary culture of seaweed.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Vivid prose [...] beautifully illustrated.”
—Literary Hub