New British Orchid Book

[Lancashire Lad]

Just a heads up on a newly published book; -

Title - British Orchids - A Site Guide.
Author - Roger Bowmer
First Published - March 2008
Publisher - Crowood Press
ISBN - 978 1 84797 002 2
Price - £12.99
Softback, 144 pages, size approximately 24cm tall x 17cm wide x 1cm thick.

This is a beautiful little book, and will make a great addition to the library of anyone interested in British Wild Orchids.

There are sections on Conservation, natural history, distribution, and RDB status, along with much other useful information for the orchid enthusiast.

Each individual species, (and there are 51 species described), is given at least two pages of the book.

There are good quality photographs (mostly two per species - sometimes three), accompanying the written descriptions.

Might be considered a little on the expensive side, but I suppose given its specialist nature, that can be accepted. (Well I must have thought it worth it - because I bought one ).

PS: I've just googled for the publishers and there appears to be about a 20% discount for online purchase.

Regards
Mike.

[leifus]

thanks for letting us know! I have just bought one like this which is also very good

ill add it to my xmas list

[Jim Ford]

Hmm, did you read the very negative reviews?

IIRC there was a similarly negative review in one of the Hardy Orchid Society's magazines.

Jim

[leifus]

The WildGuides Britain's orchids is VERY good

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Hmm, did you read the very negative reviews?

IIRC there was a similarly negative review in one of the Hardy Orchid Society's magazines.

Jim

I'm afraid I haven't Jim - I was only commenting on my thoughts of the book. (Which I have to say, I do like).

I will try to find some of these negative comments to see exactly what the problems are.

Regards
Mike.

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

...did you read the very negative reviews?...

Hi Jim,
I've now read a couple of reviews of the book, and it seems that the negative comments basically stem from two things: -

1 - Two photographs in the book have been mixed up. (Relating to Common & Lesser Twayblade) - Must admit, I hadn't yet spotted that, and there is no real excuse for that having got beyond quality control at the publishers. (not really a fault of the author though).

2 - There seems to be much negative comment because only 14 pages of the book are dedicated to specific sites where each type of orchid can be found.

I must say, when I originally browsed that section, I immediately noted that it wasn't at all comprehensive, but I actually liked that fact - because many such sites are somewhat sensitive, and having a fully comprehensive list of sites where these beautiful plants can be found would be like opening a bank vault to a thief. - There are some very unscrupulous people who would love to take advantage of such information.

I am slightly disappointed about the photo slip up, but overall I still think the book is worth having.

Regards
Mike.

[IanS]

I too have this book. There are a few more than just two photos upside down! Poor quality control there. It is an interesting book but not a patch on the Harrup orchid book. Someone on here mentioned there is going to be a second edition of the Harrup book so might be worth waiting for that one instead.