New Green World

New Green World, first published in 1954, is a fascinating look at the life of American naturalist John Bartram (1699-1777) and his explorations across the newly formed United States. At his home near Philadelphia, he established America's first botanical garden, which exists to the present day. The book details his travels and interactions with prominent figures of his day, and his many discoveries and collections of plants unique to the Americas.
Author's note from the first edition dust-jacket:
I began to be interested in the Bartrams, father and son, because of a flower in my Pennsylvania garden but I stayed with them through New Green World because they were so alive, though long dead. Living for more than themselves, they were unafraid of new horizons and so their story breaks through parochial notions of our historical past to reach around the world. Long neglected, the Bartrams broke ground for Audubon, Thoreau and many others. The plants they rescued from the wilderness survive; the vitality of their search speaks to us today.