In this book, we have Rica Erickson's account of how she became interested in natural history, who were her guides, mentors and associates, and how she did her research. Through these pages we meet many other naturalists of the century, as well as some who came before. The book is interspersed with reproductions of some of Rica's writings.

Western Australia is rightly famous for its unique plants and animals, and many of those who have been drawn, inexorably, to study them have also been remarkable people. Among the most notable of these in the twentieth century is Rica Erickson, who was born on the Eastern Goldfields in 1908 and has spent most of her life studying and writing about orchids, triggerplants, carnivorous plants, birds and insects. An accomplished botanical artist, she has also produced a wealth of detailed drawings and beautiful watercolour paintings to illustrate her work. Many readers have learned from and been inspired by her articles and books. In "Rica Erickson: A Naturalist's Life", we have Rica's own account of how she became interested in natural history, who were her guides, mentors and associates, and how she did her research. Through these pages we meet many other naturalists of the century, as well as some who came before. The book is interspersed with reproductions of some of Rica's writings from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Many of Rica's works remain standard references. This volume is their complement, and our insight into a remarkable life.