After the death of the younger Carl Linnaeus in 1783, the entirety of the Linnean collections, including the letters received by the elder Linnaeus from naturalists all over Europe, was purchased by the English botanist James Edward Smith (1759-1828), later co-founder and first president of the Linnean Society of London. In 1821, Smith published this two-volume selection of the letters exchanged by Linnaeus pere et fils and many of the leading figures in the study of natural history, revealing some of the close ties of shared knowledge and affection that bound the European scientific community at that time. Where necessary, Smith translates the letters into English, with the exception of those written in French, which are presented in the original. Volume 1 illuminates the epistolary relationships of Linnaeus senior with Peter Collinson, John Ellis and Alexander Garden, providing a very brief biography of each. Garden's letters to Ellis also feature prominently.

After the death of the younger Carl Linnaeus in 1783, the entirety of the Linnean collections, including the letters received by the elder Linnaeus from naturalists all over Europe, was purchased by the English botanist James Edward Smith (1759-1828), later co-founder and first president of the Linnean Society of London. In 1821, Smith published this two-volume selection of the letters exchanged by Linnaeus pere et fils and many of the leading figures in the study of natural history, revealing some of the close ties of shared knowledge and affection that bound the European scientific community at that time. Where necessary, Smith translates the letters into English, with the exception of those written in French, which are presented in the original. The varied correspondents of Linnaeus senior, whose letters appear in Volume 2, include the botanists Johann Dillenius and Bernard de Jussieu, and the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Originally published in 1832, this two-volume account of the life of Sir James Edward Smith (1759-1828) was posthumously compiled by his wife, Pleasance (1773-1877). Smith trained originally as a doctor, but his independent wealth enabled him to pursue botany. Hugely influenced by the work of Linnaeus, he benefited greatly from the purchase of the latter's library and herbarium in 1783, upon the advice of his friend, Sir Joseph Banks. He was highly regarded throughout Europe as a botanist, and in 1788 founded the Linnean Society. He published various botanical works, of which the most important was The English Flora (1824-8), and assisted in the publication of many more. His wife recounts his character as well as his achievements, using both narrative and 'various familiar and domestic letters' to do so. Volume 1 includes letters from Banks and Samuel Goodenough, bishop of Carlisle and Smith's close botanical friend.

Originally published in 1832, this two-volume account of the life of Sir James Edward Smith (1759-1828) was posthumously compiled by his wife, Pleasance (1773-1877). Smith trained originally as a doctor, but his independent wealth enabled him to pursue botany. Hugely influenced by the work of Linnaeus, he benefited greatly from the purchase of the latter's library and herbarium in 1783, upon the advice of his friend, Sir Joseph Banks. He was highly regarded throughout Europe as a botanist, and in 1788 founded the Linnean Society. He published various botanical works, of which the most important was The English Flora (1824-8), and assisted in the publication of many more. His wife recounts his 'religious, social and scientific character' as well as his achievements, and Volume 2 includes correspondence from Alexander von Humboldt, and concludes with an appendix in which short papers by Smith present a variety of topics.