By Steve Manning. Steve was the guest author at our 2011 SBOE International Orchid Fair, where he charmed us all with his knowledge of orchids and orchid history, plus his quintessentially British turn of phrase (for example people familiar with Santa Barbara locales will like his apocryphal "Earl of Warren"). As do all good authors, he still lives on within the pages of his book. Steve reminds us there is so much more to discover about orchids beyond the buy button.
Take a glimpse back in time at the early days of orchid discovery, collection, commerce, and botanical description, with a strong emphasis on Central and South America and moderate focus on Masdevallias and their near relatives. The stories behind the routes taken by early orchids and their cultivators makes for fascinating reading!
Many first-hand accounts, famous color prints and documents, plus lively text fill the pages arranged in 25 chapters. Including insight into the people behind the name, like the open pages shown above featuring Nathaniel Ward and his introduction of "The Wardian Case", as well as a section on Cattleya loddigesii.
Steve’s family has given us permission to reduce the book's price to make it more accessible for more people to enjoy his well-researched and thouroughly delightful work.
Signed and unsigned copies available. 2010. Hardcover. 669 pages. Index of Illustrations. Index.
$48, plus shipping and handling.
Plus shipping and handling.