Botanicum is designed for slow looking. The thick, matte paper feels like archival stock. The ink has a specific weight. Digital light (blue light) fatigues the eyes when trying to absorb the dense detail of a mushroom cross-section. There is a meditative quality to turning a heavy page that a swipe gesture cannot replicate.
The book's narrative is structured as a tour through seven distinct galleries. Each gallery is a chapter that groups plants by their evolutionary traits and ecological roles.
Botanicum (Welcome to the Museum) by Katie Scott | Goodreads
Katie Scott is an award-winning illustrator known for her distinctive vintage-inspired style. Her intricate and detailed illustrations are a major highlight of the book, making it as much a beautiful art book as it is a scientific reference.
This book is often referred to as a "coffee table book." If you enjoy the PDF, the physical hardcover edition is highly recommended as the large format does the artwork the most justice.