Anne Pratt’s The Flowering Plants, Grasses, Sedges, and Ferns of Great Britain is a seminal work in Victorian botanical literature. Published between 1855 and 1873, this six-volume set meticulously catalogues over 1,500 species native to Britain, offering detailed descriptions and classifications based on the Natural System adapted from Jussieu and Decandolle. Pratt’s dedication to accuracy and clarity made this work a standard reference for both amateur and professional botanists of the era.​

The volumes are richly illustrated with 317 chromolithographed plates, created by William Dickes after Pratt’s original drawings. These vibrant images not only enhance the text but also serve as invaluable tools for plant identification. The use of chromolithography, a relatively new printing technique at the time, allowed for the mass production of high-quality color images, making botanical knowledge more accessible to the public.​

Pratt’s approach to botany was both scientific and educational. Each plant is presented with a description of its habitat, characteristics, and uses, often including notes on folklore and medicinal properties. This holistic perspective reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with nature and its applications in daily life. The work’s comprehensive nature and Pratt’s engaging writing style contributed to its widespread popularity and enduring legacy in botanical studies.​

Today, Pratt’s work remains a testament to the intersection of art, science, and education in the 19th century. Its influence is evident in subsequent botanical literature and in the continued appreciation of Victorian botanical illustration. For those interested in the history of botany or the rich flora of Britain, Pratt’s work offers a window into a bygone era of natural history exploration.