The cover illustrations draw readers into a beautiful world full of wonder and knowledge.
The artwork by Raxenne Maniquiz and Jiatong Liu, is stunning. So is their innovative design and use of colour.
Jonathan Drori's prose is an intelligent in-depth exploration of the countless useful things that have been and can be made from these thirty amazing plants.
The Latin name of each entry is introduced with the common one against a full-page image of each plant.
Historical and geographical facts, myths, and beliefs surrounding the plants, become stories that spark the readers interest with their fascinating content.
More stories arise - of the plants’ origins, the when, where and how each one was cultivated, and the failures and successes of attempts to grow them. Others venture into areas about discoveries made during each process.
Details of individual growth patterns include the family line from which each plant originated, and other fabulous facts.
Listed is the Eucalyptus globulus – the Blue Gum, of which there are hundreds of species. These are the fastest growing, and can be harvested in 6-7 years, and are known as gum trees due to the resin that seeps.
Other wonderful plants in this book include Vanilla – vanilla planifolia, Papyrus – cyperus papyrus, Rubber – Hevea brasiliensis, and Gutta-Percha – Palaquium gutta, whose tropical latex forms a protective skin over any wounds it receives.
There is Sugarcane, Nutmeg, Henna, and Wheat among these segments that contain extremely well researched information.
Few books will match the elegance of this one. Invaluable in content, book collectors should cast an eye on it.
Ideal for libraries and personal bookshelves, this is a magnificent work of art.
Title: The Stuff That Stuff Is Made Of
Author: Jonathan Drori
Illustrator: Raxenne Maniquiz & Jiatong Liu
Publisher: Thames & Hudson, $ 34.99
Publication Date: 9 September 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781917044172
For ages: 10+
Type: Non Fiction