The wasp and the orchid : the remarkable life of Australian naturalist Edith Coleman / Danielle Clode.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

In 1942, Edith Coleman was at the height of her career. Internationally lauded as one of Australia's leading amateur naturalists, Edith was also a nature writer who 'needed no introduction'. She wrote prolifically, not only for scientific journals, but also for newspapers and magazines. Her academic peers praised her insights into the mysteries of pollination, but her interests ranged far and wide across Australian flora and fauna. She was the first woman to be awarded the Australian Natural History Medallion for her work, yet today she is almost entirely forgotten, save by a handful of scientists and naturalists. For over twenty years, zoologist and award-winning author Danielle Clode has pursued Edith. Here she presents Edith's story, for the first time: the remarkable life of one of Australia's foremost female naturalists.