In the mid-nineteenth century, when life sciences were not yet part of most school and college curricula, natural history books contributed to Americans' appreciation of their environment, their national identity, and a basic understanding of scientific observation and study.

The Book of Nature explores the interactions between natural history literature - especially illustrated botanical and zoological monographs - and its readers, relating the importance of these works in the transmission of natural history's practice and discourse.

Welch traces the dissemination of nature as visual imagery from monographs to other literary forms, including children's literature, sentimental flower books, and biblical histories. She also shows how books helped turn intellectual pursuit into popular pastimes, discussing the ways in which natural history affected other cultural practices, such as the incorporation of floral and animal motifs into art and handicrafts.

The Book of Nature offers fresh insights into both the roots of today's conservation movement and unexplored areas of our cultural history.