Rare, antiquarian & out-of-print books on orchids, orchid art, orchid collecting at Horizon Books.

BAINBRIDGE, Richard; Guide to the Conservatory; being a concise Treatise on the Management of the Hothouse & Greenhouse; the forcing of bulbs, shrubs, etc, keeping up blooms all year; select list of the most admirable plants. . .. London, Robert Baldwin, 1842, First edition, 12mo [17.5 x 11.5 cm]; vii, 258, [vi, ads], errata, index, original green cloth, gilt title lettering on spine and cover, spine lightly faded but lettering clear, lightly frayed at spine head, hinge repaired, very good, interior is clean and near fine.

The author was gardener to Lord Wenlock, and here describes the huge greenhouse operation and the many plants, including a large number of orchids (about 64 pages), month to month treatments, plant hybridizing, propagation, plants lists, etc.

US$90. bookID # 13663


BATEMAN, James; The Orchidaceae of Mexico and Guatemala. New York, Amsterdam, Johnson Reprint Corporation, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, nd [c1975], reprint of the first edition of 1837, limited edition, folio [49 x 36 cm]; 40 attractive colored plates, other engraved illus, with the original pictorial title page and text, unpaginated, original simulated leather backed cloth covered boards, gilt spine title lettering, fine and clean.

This is a limited edition reprint of 1,000 copies of the classic orchid book with all the plates of the original which was printed 1837-43. His book was one of the largest books ever printed and 'was one of the first products of orchidomania that swept England's upper classes in the nineteenth century' [Glikbarg 12]. Each orchid described in the work was a new introduction, collected by Skinner in Guatemala and Hartweg in Mexico. Burrage p. 7. Nissen 89. The last copy of the original 1837 edition traced was at Sotheby's in 2003, selling for US$105,000 plus their commission, with the Christie's 2002 copy at US$170,000, each with some defects.

US$450. bookID # 11928


BLACK, Peter McKenzie; Beautiful Orchids. London, Hamlyn, [1973], First edition, 4to [29 x 21 cm]; 128 pp, numerous illustrations from photos including 60 in color, index, original cloth, dj, signature inked out on endpaper, very good in fine dj.

A useful introduction including propagation, cultivation, etc by this English orchid nursery owner, and with a good chapter on orchid collectors and their introductions.

US$5. bookID # 7093


BOWEN, Leslie; The Art and Craft of Growing Orchids. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, [1976], First American edition, small 4to [25.5 x 18.5 cm]; 126 pp, color illustrations from photos, numerous illustrations from drwgs, bibliog, index, original green cloth with gilt spine title lettering, pictorial endpapers, dj (price clipped, slight wear at edge), else fine.

A well-illustrated introduction with practical suggestions for growing.

US$6. bookID # 6804


BOWEN, Leslie; The Art and Craft of Growing Orchids. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, [1976], First American edition, small 4to [25.5 x 18.5 cm]; 126 pp, color illustrations from photos, numerous illustrations from drwgs, bibliog, index, original green cloth with gilt spine title lettering, pictorial endpapers, dj (price clipped, slightly rubbed at edge), else fine.

A well-illustrated introduction with practical suggestions for growing and suggested varieties for easy or more challenging growing.

US$12. bookID # 9996


BOYLE, Frederick; The Woodlands Orchids, Described and Illustrated with Stories of Orchid-Collecting. London, Macmillan and Co, 1901, First Edition, 4to [24 x 19 cm]; ix, 274 pp, 16 chromolithographed plates including the frontis from paintings by J. L. Macfarlane, portrait of J. Coles, index, orig pictorial gilt cloth, gilt title on cover and spine, gilt vignette of orchid on cover, a. e. g., cover slightly rubbed, minor foxing on some leaves, mostly marginal, hinges cracking but firm, endpaper inscription, very good copy, interior excellent.

Boyle wrote several books on orchids, of which this is his scarcest and most attractive, especially the colored plates. The stories of how the orchids were found are quite interesting. Most chapters include lists and descriptions of numerous orchid species and hybrids. Massachusetts Horticultural Society Catalogue 35. The plates include Zygo-Colax, Laelias, Cattleyas, Lycaste, Cypripediums, Odontoglossums.

US$180. bookID # 11679


BOYLE, Louis M.; Out West; Growing Cymbidium Orchids and other Flowers; the Story of El Rancho Rinconada. Los Angeles, Times-Mirror Press, [1952], First Edition, 8vo [24 x 18 cm]; 526 pp, profusion of illustrations in bw and color, pictorial endpapers, original pictorial gilt cloth, cover a little faded, else near fine, interior clean.

A fascinating period piece on growing orchids in California with sections on the social, historical aspects of the area, as well as full details on the orchids.

US$10. bookID # 10554


BURDETT, F. D., edited and annotated by Percy J. King; The Odyssey of an Orchid Hunter. London, Herbert Jenkins, [1930], First edition, 8vo [22 x 14.5 cm]; 317 pp, frontis (port), plus 15 plates from photos, index, map of Philippine Islands on endpapers, original cloth, slightly rubbed at corner, small dent at cover edge, lightly foxed on few leaves, mainly marginal, but a very good, solid and tight copy.

Burdett was one of the first prospectors of the Kimberley goldrush, a pearl hunter, explorer and orchid collector who explored coral reefs and jungles for some forty years. In this work, the author travelled in the jungles of the Philippines and describes the jungle, the peoples, nature, his adventures and the finding of some orchids among other things, including ancient artifacts. He was also the author of The Odyssey of a Pearl Hunter.

US$110. bookID # 8678


Caballero, Rafael Lucas Rodriguez; Dora Emilia Mora; M aria Eugenia Barahona; Norris H. Willia,ms; Generos de Orchideas de Costa Rica (Orchida of Costa Rica). San Jose, Editorial Universidad de Costa Rica, 1986, First Edition, sm folio [33 x 26 cm]; 334 pp, complete with 142 colored plates from paintings, detailed glossary, index, original cloth (hardcover), gilt title lettering on spine and cover, pictorial dust jacket, bit frayed at spine end, light crease, owner inscription on blank endpaper, a very good clean copy.

Text in English and Spanish. An important and useful description of the nu,merous orchids of Costa Rica by four experts in the field. The colored plates are excellent and detailed.

US$50. bookID # 13893


CHIN, Chin Hoong Fong; Malaysian Flowers in Colour. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tropical Press, 1980, , small 4to [26 x 18 cm]; xi, 172 pp, numerous color illustrations from photos, bibliog, index to common names, index to botanical names, original pictorial gilt cloth, dj (slightly rubbed), fine and clean.

The work covers flowering trees, ornamental shrubs, tropical climbers, orchids, cultivation methods, etc.

US$3. bookID # 4623


CLIFTON, Mrs. Talbot [Violet]; Pilgrims to the Isles of Penance; Orchid Gathering in the East. London, John Long, [1911], First edition, 8vo [22.5 x 15 cm]; 320 pp, frontis, 54 illustrations from photos on plates, foldout map of Philippine Islands, South China Sea to Siam, Sumatra showing route in red, with the errata sheet (often lacking), index, title page printed in red and black, original cloth with gilt spine title lettering, lightly foxed at outer edge, signature of R. G. Pennington on endpaper, a very good copy.

Robinson 233. The author and her husband Talbot, a restless and dissatisfied explorer, went plant hunting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and although the main purpose of the expedition, the author describes their travels to Rangoon, Siam, Singapore, Batavia and all parts in between as well with good descriptions of the peoples, their customs, conditions, etc, with plant hunting forming a small part of the book.

US$170. bookID # 8842


COLEMAN, Ronald A.; The Wild Orchids of California. Ithaca and London, Cornell University Press, [1995], First edition, 8vo [23.5 x 16 cm]; xvii, 201 pp, 129 color illustrations from photos on 39 plates, maps, distribution maps, tables, charts, text illus, glossary, bibliog, index, original cloth, gilt lettering, dj (slightly worn at corner), fine and clean in near fine dj.

This is the first book on California's wild orchids, a well illustrated field guide to the 32 species, each described in detail with distribution maps.

US$12. bookID # 6373


CORREVON, H. [Henry]; Album des Orchidees de l'Europe Centrale et Septrentrionale. Geneva, Paris, Librairie George, Librairie O. Doin, 1899, First edition, 8vo [25 x 16.5 cm]; xii, [vi], 92, [120], [iv, ads with illus] pp, 60 plates, of which 59 are fine colored lithographs (chromolithographs), other illustrations in text, original green cloth, gilt title lettering, rubbed at edges, some light foxing mostly marginal else a very good copy with good impressions of the plates, inscribed presentation copy in French signed by author dated May 1899.

Nissen 406a. Not in Glikbarg. Correvon, Swiss botanist and alpinist, wrote a number of influential works on alpine plants and flowers. The very attractive plates in this original edition are finely done and superior to those in the 1923 reprint. Each plate has the scientific name, and the common names in French, English and German. The text is in French.

US$450. bookID # 9406


CORREVON, Henry; edited by Leonard Barron; Rock Garden and Alpine Plants. New York, The Macmillan Company, 1930, First edition, 8vo [22 x 16 cm]; xv, 544 pp, frontis (port), color plates from paintings, illustrations from photos and drwgs, original cloth, title lettering on spine and cover, fine and clean copy.

A useful and comprehensive work by the pioneer of alpine gardening and includes detailed lists of varieties and species. With good chapters on growing alpines in sphagnum, the wall garden, rockery, conservation, fernery, terrestrial orchids, hardy cacti, with thousands of species described.

US$30. bookID # 11853


CRULS, Gastao; Hil‚ia Amazonica. Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Companhia Editoa Nacional, 1944, First edition. limited edition of which this is #936., folio [48 x 34 cm]; [iv], xxiv, 267 pp, 48 fine colored mounted plates from paintings, each in border, extra title page printed in red and black with vignette, half title, original red cloth, gilt spine title lettering, lightly frayed at spine ends, last 5 leaves lightly rippled in margin, first title page with repair, else clean and near fine, presentation copy signed by the author, dated Rio, 1945.

A superbly produced work covering the flora, fauna, archaeology, and the ethnology of indigenous peoples of Amazonia. Each section has representative plates, the flora section including six plates on orchids, the fauna section including plates on birds, animals, fish, the archaeology section includes many artifacts, and the ethnology section including illustrations of weapons, handicrafts, etc. The fine plates are from paintings by Hilda Velloso, Armando Pacheri and Georges Julian Simoni. The text is in Portuguese.

US$680. bookID # 11145


CRUTTWELL, N. E. G.; An Account of Plant-Hunting in the Highlands of New Guinea [with:] An Expedition to the Finisterre Mountains of Eastern New Guinea, by A. C. Jermy & C. D. Sayers. London, Journal of Royal Horticultural Society, [1962, 1967], First edition, 8vo [22 x 14 cm]; 77-86; 117-128 pp, 2 maps with insets, photo illustrations including in color, bound in green heavy paper wraps with printed label, fine and clean, although cover is slightly faded.

Two interesting papers on plant hunting extracted from this great journal. Cruttwell lived on Cape Vogel Peninsula in South-east Papua and explores this area and nearby Daga Country, while the Jermy-Sayers paper was based on the 1964 expedition by the British Museum and University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. In both papers there is description of some of the orchids seen in this richest of orchid areas, including Grammatphyllum papuanum, Dendrobium forbesii, Latourea group of dendrobiums, Dendrobium johnsoniae (color illus), Dendrobium caespitficum (color illus), etc, as well as rhododendrons, and other flowering plants.

US$35. bookID # 13828


CURTIS, Charles H., with a forward by Lord Aberconway; Orchids; Their Description and Cultivation. London, Putnam & Company, [1950], First Edition, 4to [25 x 20 cm]; [xiv], 274 pp, color frontis, 77 plates, including 30 in color, detailed index of genera, species and hybrids, bibliog, original gilt decorated cloth, gilt lettering, gilt vignette on spine, minor foxing on a few margins, dj (short tear, small chip, not price clipped), very good, sound and clean copy.

A comprehensive and useful book, covering the full range of orchids, their history, cultivation, description, habits, etc. The author, who studied orchids for over 4 decades, was head of orchids at Kew and includes a description of orchid literature in the introduction. The 16 page bibliography seems to include all of the main orchid books published up to that time.

US$45. bookID # 11480


DARNELL, A. W.; Hardy & Half-hardy Plants; Illustrations and Descriptions of Beautiful and Interesting Plants Suitable for Outdoor Culture in the British Isles. Hampton Wick, Published by A. W. Darnell, nd [1929], First edition in book form, first published in parts, 4to [29 x 23 cm]; 2 volumes, complete, [iv], 252, [iv]; [ii], 252, [iv] pp, 24 colored lithographed plates, 500+ large illustrations, indexes, original pictorial gilt cloth, gilt title lettering on spines and covers, lightly foxed, rear cover of volume I spotted, very good+ set, clean and unmarked..

Several of the color plates are of orchids including Cypripedium Guttatum (Yatabe's Slipper Orchid), Cypripedium Montanum (Mountain Slipper Orchid), Serapias Lingua (Tongue Orchid). A very well illustrated work, all the illustrations being from paintings or drawings.

US$180. bookID # 12445


DARNELL, A. W.; Orchids of the Outdoor Garden; A Descriptive list of the World's Orchids for the Use of Amateur Gardeners. New York, Dover Publications, [1976], , 8vo [21 x 14 cm]; xxiv, 467 pp, glossary, 22 plates including frontis from the author's paintings, index, original pictorial heavy paper wraps, title lettering on spine and cover, light crease on cover else excellent copy, interior clean and fine, cover quite good.

This is an unabridged and complete edition of the first edition of 1930 but in smaller format but with an additional preface to this edition by Gordon Dillon of Harvard University and the American Orchid Society. There are 977 species in 117 genera described, a complete listing of the orchids that can be grown outdoors in the British Isles and anywhere with a similar climate including much of the United States, each with one or more species described including the plant's origin, date of bloom, growing conditions, etc. Blunt and Stearn 301.

US$20. bookID # 11116


DARNELL, A. W.; Orchids of the Outdoor Garden; A Descriptive list of the World's Orchids That May be Grown Outdoors in the British Isles for the Use of Amateur Gardeners. Ashford, Kent, L. Reeve & Co., 1930, First edition, small 4to [25.5 x 19 cm]; xx, 467 pp, glossary, 22 plates including colored frontis from the author's paintings, index, original cloth, fine and clean in scarce dj (chipped at edges, rubbed).

There are 977 species in 117 genera, a complete listing of the orchids that can be grown outdoors in the British Isles or places with a similar climate including much of the United States, each with one or more species described including the plant's origin, date of bloom, growing conditions, etc. Blunt and Stearn 301.

US$150. bookID # 10555


DICKINS, Herbert P., with J. W. Audas; Victorian Orchids with Botanical and Vernacular Names, collected and lithographed by Herbert P. Dickens. Melbourne, Victorian Horticultural Society, Melbourne Herbarium, 1948, Second edition, first edition was 1929, 8vo [21 x 14 cm]; 32 pp, 17 illustrations from drwgs by Dickins, original heavy paper wraps with printed title on cover, a few leaves with light crease but clean very good or better copy.

A description of 56 main plants and hundreds of other varieties.

US$5. bookID # 10573


DUNSTERVILLE, G. C. K. and E. Dunsterville, edited by Alec M. Pridgeon; Orchid Hunting in the Lost World (and Elsewhere in Venezuela). West Palm Beach, American Orchid Society, [1988], First edition in book form, 4to [28.5 x 22 cm]; xv, 280 pp, numerous color illustrations from photos, bw photos, many drwgs of orchids, maps, map endpapers, index, original cloth, dj, fine, clean throughout.

The author of the 6 volume Venezuela Orchids Illustrated, travelled widely in Venezuela in search of its 1,200 orchid species. This is an interesting mixture of botany and adventure which appeared in the American Orchid Society Bulletin over a 40 year period. The Lost World was made famous by Arthur Conan Doyle.

US$16. bookID # 9192


DUNSTERVILLE, G. C. K. and E. Dunsterville, edited by Alec M. Pridgeon; Orchid Hunting in the Lost World (and Elsewhere in Venezuela). West Palm Beach, American Orchid Society, [1988], First edition in book form, parts were previously published in journals, 4to [28.5 x 22 cm]; xv, 280 pp, numerous color illus from photos, black and white photos, many drawings of orchids, maps, map endpapers, index, original cloth, gilt spine title lettering, dj, fine in fine jacket, clean throughout.

The author of the 6 volume Venezuela Orchids Illustrated, traveled widely in Venezuela in search of its 1,200 orchid species. This is an interesting mixture of botany and adventure which appeared in the American Orchid Society Bulletin over a 40 year period. The Lost World was made famous by Arthur Conan Doyle.

US$20. bookID # 13860


DUNSTERVILLE, G. C. K. and E. Dunsterville, edited by Alec M. Pridgeon; Orchid Hunting in the Lost World (and Elsewhere in Venezuela). West Palm Beach, American Orchid Society, [1988], First edition in book form, parts were previously published in AOS periodical, 4to [28.5 x 22 cm]; xv, 280 pp, numerous color illus from photos, black and white photos, many drawings of orchids, maps, map endpapers, index, original cloth, gilt spine title lettering, dj, fine in fine jacket, clean throughout.

The author of the 6 volume Venezuela Orchids Illustrated, traveled widely in Venezuela in search of its 1,200 orchid species. This is an interesting mixture of botany and adventure which appeared in the American Orchid Society Bulletin over a 40 year period. The Lost World was made famous by Arthur Conan Doyle.

US$18. bookID # 13859


DUNSTERVILLE, G. C. K. and E. Dunsterville, edited by Alec M. Pridgeon; Orchid Hunting in the Lost World (and Elsewhere in Venezuela). West Palm Beach, American Orchid Society, [1988], First edition in book form, parts were previously published in periodicals, 4to [28.5 x 22 cm]; xv, 280 pp, numerous color illus from photos, black and white photos, many drawings of orchids, maps, map endpapers, index, original cloth, gilt spine title lettering, dj, fine in fine jacket, clean throughout.

The author of the 6 volume Venezuela Orchids Illustrated, traveled widely in Venezuela in search of its 1,200 orchid species. This is an interesting mixture of botany and adventure which appeared in the American Orchid Society Bulletin over a 40 year period. The Lost World was made famous by Arthur Conan Doyle.

US$17. bookID # 13858


FISHER, John; The Origin of Garden Plants. London, Constable, [1982], First edition, 8vo [24 x 17 cm]; xvii, 338 pp, 5 color plates from painting, 97 illustrations from photos and drwgs, bibliog, index, original cloth with silver title lettering, dj (price clipped, tiny tear), small owner's blind-stamp on endpaper, fine in fine dj.

The author provides an interesting and detailed description of the origins of over 900 plants from most parts of the world from earliest times to those found by more recent plant hunters, and includes a chapter on orchids.

US$24. bookID # 7776


FITCH, Charles Marden; All About Orchids. Garden City, New York, Doubleday & Company, [1981], , 8vo [24 x 16 cm]; xii, 276 pp, over 200 illustrations from photos, including 22 in color, glossary, bibliog, index, original cloth, dj (price clipped, short tear), fine in very good dj.

A detailed guide for growing orchids with numerous varieties described together with their growing conditions. Good practical advice, and well-illustrated.

US$10. bookID # 5818


FOGG, H. G. Witham; Creating a Luxury Garden. Edinburgh, John Bartholomew and Son, [1975], First edition, 8vo [22 x 14 cm]; 160 pp, numerous illustrations from photos and drwgs, index, original cloth, dj (small stain on top where price label removed), fine in very good dj.

Practical suggestions for adding various features to your garden, including patios, hedges, tubs, making a sink garden, window-box rock gardens, barrel gardens, rooftop gardens, sundials, roses, hardy orchids, garden pool, herb garden, terrariums, open-air swimming pool, sauna, etc.

US$4. bookID # 7349


GLENN, Rewa [pseud. of Marguerite Maude Johnson]; The Botanical Explorers of New Zealand. Wellington, A. H. & A. W. Reid, [1950], First edition, 8vo [22 x 14.5 cm]; 176 pp, colored frontis from painting, other colored plate, photo plates, map endpapers, index, original cloth, gilt spine title lettering, small crease at upper spine, small bookplate of H. A. H. Insull, else near fine and clean in fair dj (chipped at spine end, rubbed, tear, not price clipped).

A description of the plant hunters of New Zealand, biographies of exploration, of a country of most unusual plants. Bagnall 472. The colored plates, one being of orchids, are from Margaret Johnson's fine paintings.

US$24. bookID # 12909


GOSSE, P. H. [published anonymously]; Wanderings Through the Conservatories of Kew. London, A. P. C. K., [1856], First edition, 12mo [17 x 11 cm]; vii, 296 pp, 65 wood engraved illustrations, plus extra-illustrated by previous owner including engraved plates on endpaper (Kew Bridge; The Old Palace, Kew), plates of blow-guns illustrating text, etc, original blind-stamped cloth, gilt spine title lettering and decorations, spine ends a little worn, very good+, no ownership marks, compete and with the additional illustrations making this copy unique.

One of the scarcer books by this famous naturalist. Freeman-Wertheimer 72: 'A guide to the glasshouses of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, Surrey, taken one at a time in a straight-forward manner. Some of the illustrations were drawn from daguerreotypes, apparently the only occasion on which he used this method. Gosse implies that he used the apparatus himself. One woodcut contains Whimper's signature'. The illustrations are detailed and attractive, and include buildings, structures, such as the water tower, the pagoda, etc, and plants, such as orchids, palms, etc.

US$180. bookID # 12867


HARRISON, Joseph; The Floricultural Cabinet, and Florists' Magazine; January 1844 to September 1845, volumes XII and XIII. London, Whittaker & Co, 1844-45, First Edition, 8vo [22 x 14 cm]; 2 volumes bound in one, iv, 319, 240 pp, 24 hand-colored plates, extra engraved title page, index, contemporary half calf and boards, gilt title lettering on red spine label, joints cracked but firm, cover wear, interior is clean and near fine, with only slight foxing on few leaves, plates bright.

Articles on all aspects of flowers including orchids and roses, including lists of new and rare plants, with submissions from various authors. The engraved hand coloured plates depictorialindividual or several varieties of flowers, all quite colorful.

US$170. bookID # 13222


HARRISON, Joseph; The Floricultural Cabinet, and Florists' Magazine; January to December 1836 volume IV. London, Whittaker & Co, 1836, First Edition, 8vo [23 x 14 cm]; [iv], 308pp, 14 hand-colored plates, engraved plan, extra engraved title page, tables, illustrations and plans in text, index, original cloth with gilt title lettering, light wear at edges, very short tear at joint, a few leaves with some light foxing, plate with short tear, but a very good solid copy.

This is the complete annual of articles on all aspects of flowers including orchids and roses, including lists of new and rare plants, with submissions from various authors. The hand coloured plates were engraved by J. & J. Parkin, some from Harrison's drawings, mostly depicting several varieties of flowers, all quite colorful.

US$110. bookID # 6479


HARRISON, Joseph; The Floricultural Cabinet, and Florists' Magazine; March 1833 to December 1836 volumes I, II, III, IV. London, Whittaker & Co, 1833-36, , 8vo [22 x 14 cm]; [iv], 260, 308; iv, 304, 308 pp, 4 volumes in two, 50 fine hand-colored plates, extra engraved title pages, garden plans and other illustrations, index, contemporary leather backed boards, title lettering on spine leather labels, joints worn, cracked but firm, 3 cm of one spine lacking, interior is clean with only light foxing on some pages, very good.

This is two year's of articles on all aspects of flowers including orchids and roses, including lists of new and rare plants, with submissions from various authors. The hand coloured engraved plates mostly depicting several varieties of flowers, all quite colorful.

US$180. bookID # 13221


HAY, Thomas; Plants of the Connoisseur. London, Putnam, [1938], First edition, 8vo [22 x 14 cm]; xi, 180 pp, many full-page illustrations from photos, original cloth, gilt title lettering on spine and cloth, some underlining of text, name on endpaper, very good.

Detailed descriptions of hundreds of plants, including orchids, primulas, rhododendrons, lilies, etc, mostly with an illustration, that the author found great merit in.

US$5. bookID # 13145


HUMPHRIS, Ted; illustrated by B. S. Biro; Garden Glory. London and Glasgow, Collins, [1969], First edition, 8vo [21.5 x 14 cm]; xii, 212 pp, attractive wood-engraved illustrations by Biro from his drawings, original cloth with gilt title lettering and gilt decorations on spine, dj (small tear at edge, not price clipped), fine in near fine dj, signed by author, dated Aug. 1970.

Reminiscences of the author's extensive gardening experiences from the 1900's, when time was abundant, through the war years to the 1960's, the book contains a lifetime of gardening knowledge on all aspects. The author, winner of numerous garden awards, worked his way up to head gardener at Aynhoe Park and is recognized for his skill as an orchid grower of the magnificent Aynhoe orchids.

US$30. bookID # 7539


HUNT, P. Francis; The International Book of Orchids. Secaucus, Chartwell Books, [1979], , 4to [29 x 22 cm]; 172 pp, numerous colored illustrations from photos and drawings, including from early sources, index, original black cloth, silver title lettering on spine, light private blind-stamp, very good overall in dj (light wear, short tears), with loose illustrated newspaper clipping on subject.

A lavishly illustrated work surveying the history and cultivation of all types of orchids with appendices listing the orchid genera and hybrid genera.

US$5. bookID # 13051


KINGDON WARD, Frank; Burma's Icy Mountains. London, Jonathan Cape, [1949], First edition, 8vo [20.4 x 14 cm]; 287 pp, frontis and plates from photos, 2 foldout maps, original cloth, silver title lettering on spine bright, fine and clean, unmarked in very nice dj (not price clipped, light wear at spine ends).

The author, described as the last of the great plant hunters, traveled to Burma a number of times. He describes his two expeditions, in the late 1930's, to the more inaccessible and previously unexplored parts of Burma, including Burma's 20,000 foot mountains, with a good description of the geography, topography, botany, people. The illustrations include local people, orchids, views, suspension bridge, etc. Neate W16. Because of his familiarity with this area, he was employed by the US army in world war II searching for crashed aircraft.

US$170. bookID # 13314


KINGDON-WARD, Frank; Return to Irrawaddy. London, Andrew Melrose, [1956], First Edition, 8vo [23.5 x 16 cm]; 224 pp, frontis, 45 illustrations from photos, mostly full-page, folding map, index, original cloth, gilt spine title lettering, dj (chipped at edge, tear, price clipped), clean, bright and fine in good+ jacket.

The author, one of the most famous plant hunters of the twentieth century and discoverer of thousands of plants, explored the almost unknown jungles and mountains of Northern Burma, known as the Triangle (or golden triangle), an area that has now become famous for its connection to drug production. He writes of the plants, animal and bird life and the customs of the local peoples. He describes 14 species of orchids and about 60 species of rhododendrons found there. Includes an index of flora and fauna. Yakushi K84.

US$55. bookID # 13315


KRAMER, Jack; Rare Orchids Everyone Can Grow. New York, Doubleday &b Company, 1968, First edition, 8vo [21.5 x 14 cm]; [xvi], 144 pp, many photo plates including color, plus illustrations from line drwgs, index, original red cloth, gilt spine title lettering, dj (rubbed at edges, not price clipped), near fine, clean.

Well-illustrated by Andrew Roy Addkison and Joyce R. Wilson, the author provides a good introduction of the easiest plants to grow, cultural information, suggestions, etc.

US$5. bookID # 10560


KRISA, Bohdan, edited by Pamela Bristow; The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Flowering Plants. London, Octopus Books, [1982], First edition in English, 8vo [23.5 x 17 cm]; 352 pp, over 400 illustrations in color and black and white, bibliog, index, original pictorial cloth, dj (light wear), near fine clean copy.

Over 400 species, each illustrated, are described in detail, covering all types, from cactus and carnivorous to orchids and fruit, bromeliads, arctic-alpine plants, composite flowers, aquatic, marshland and shoreline plants, gamopetalous, monocots, etc.

US$3. bookID # 8092


KUPPER, Walter and Walter Linsenmaier, translated by Jean W. Little; Orchids. [Edinburgh], Nelson, 1961, First edition in English, 4to [29.5 x 21 cm]; 128 pp, 65 fine color plates from paintings, original cloth, creased and bent, all leaves creased, good.

US$10. bookID # 3728


LINDLEY, John; Sertum Orchidaceum; A Wreath of the Most Beautiful Orchidaceous Flowers. New York, Amsterdam, Johnson Reprint Corporation, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, nd [c1975], reprint of the first edition on 1838, this being a limited edition of 1,000 copies, #102, folio [49 x 36 cm]; frontis and 50 attractive colored plates, other engraved illus, and text, unpaginated, original simulated leather backed cloth covered boards, gilt spine title lettering, fine and clean.

Burrage 54. Not in the Glikbarg collection but see Great Flower Books p.114. Nissen 1205. Stafleu & Cowan TL2 4651. Pritzel 5360. Lindley was a noted botanist and produced several fine books. The original edition is quite rare, the most recent auction prices being US$21,000 for an ex-library copy and US$41,000 for an unstamped but restored copy, both in 2004.

US$300. bookID # 11929


LOHNDORFF, Ernst; The Forest of Fear. London, Souvenir Press, 1956, First edition in English, 8vo [22 x 14 cm]; 182 pp, illustrations from photos, original black cloth with gilt spine title lettering, dj (chipped at spine ends, few tears, not price clipped), rear blank endpaper removed, clean, very good.

Subtitled, 'Orchid Hunting in the Green Hell of the Amazon', the author describes a sensational expedition through jungles, from 'the decaying, vice-ridden Amazonian settlement', through the brooding menace of the forest, pursued by 'man-hunting Indians and the treacherous masters of slave plantations, capable of incredible tortures', surviving fever, shrieking storms, wild animals, privations, in pursuit of the treasure of rare orchids, in areas where murderers live by the rule of the knife and buy their pleasure in drink-sodden orgies. A fun read, only a small amount of the book is on orchids.

US$35. bookID # 10408


MACDONALD, Norman, with an introduction by Rex Stout; The Orchid Hunters; a Jungle Adventure. London, The Travel Book Club, [1942], , 8vo [21 x 14 cm]; 187, [ii] pp, illustrations from photos, original green cloth, cover edges rubbed, endpaper lightly foxed, but internally clean, overall very good.

Adventures searching for orchids in the jungles of Columbia and Venezuela. An interesting plant hunting adventure in which the author and his friend found and brought back numerous orchids. "For when a man falls in love with orchids, he'll do anything to possess the one he wants. It's like chasing a green-eyed woman or taking cocaine. A sort of madness." (prologue)

US$50. bookID # 10330


MACKENZIE, Colonel J. S. E., illustrated by Miss C. E. Talbot Ponsonby; British Orchids; How to Tell One from Another. London, Unwin Brothers, nd [1911], First edition, small folio [32 x 25 cm]; 40 pp, 10 mounted color plates with tissue guards, on art paper, glossary, original cloth-backed boards, lightly soiled, light wear at edge, a little foxed, hinges cracked but holding, plates clean and bright, good+.

Useful of identification of species, with colored plates from paintings.

US$21. bookID # 5396


MCDONALD, Elwin; The Complete Book of Gardening under Lights. Garden City, New York, Doubleday & Company, [1965], , 8vo [21.5 x 14.5 cm]; 215 pp, plates from photos including many in color, drawings by Kathleen Bouke, original two-part cloth, spine title lettering, near fine, interior quite clean, unmarked.

A comprehensive work on all aspects of growing under lights including propagation, containers, automation, equipment, etc, with chapters on growing orchids, miniature roses, cactii, etc.

US$4. bookID # 11843


MEE, Margaret, foreword by Roberto Burle Marx, preface by Sir George Taylor; Flowers of the Brazilian Forests. London, The Tryon Gallery in association with George Rainbird, [1968], First edition, limited edition of 500 copies of which this is #350, large folio [53 x 41 cm]; [72 l] pp, 32 fine colored plates, including frontis, from paintings by Mee, each with tissue guard, signed in the plate by Mee, dated 1960s, maps, list of plates, pictorial endpapers, original green morocco-backed boards, bound by Zaehnsdorf, boards with hand marbled paper, gilt spine title lettering & gilt vignette on front, top edge gilted, original clear glassine jacket, original cloth slipcase, clean, fine and bright copy.

A superb production with most attractive plates, including nine of orchids and six of bromeliads, each plate with a descriptive leaf. Margaret Mee (1909-88) traveled to the Amazon area 15 times over a 32 year period, by canoe, on foot and often alone. Her paintings and sketches "could stand without shame in the high company of such masters as Georg Dionysius Ehret and Redoute" (Wilfred Blunt). Mee was a passionate conservationist and devoted her life to recording the diversity and beauty of the Amazon. She was one of the first to protest the destruction still taking place there. Sitwell in Great Flower Books describes her work as: 'exceptional and quite in the tradition of the great eighteenth-century books '. 'Mee's work is of an unusually high order of excellence and in the best tradition of flower painting' [Taylor, director of Royal Botanic Garden of Kew]. 'Mee was a talented botanical painter and intrepid traveller. . .an exceptional personality' [Oak Spring Flora]. One of the plants illustrated was discovered by Mee herself.

US$1400. bookID # 13044


MEEHAN, Thomas; Wayside Flowers. Philadelphia, Chas. Robson & Co., 1881, First edition, large 8vo [27 x 19.5 cm]; 128 pp, 31 fine colored lithographed plates (chromolithographs) by L. Prang, original pictorial gilt cloth, with gilt picture of flowers on cover, gilt spine title lettering, all edges gilted, edges lightly rubbed, small light cover stain, few margins with light stain, endpaper inscription, very good clean copy.

The author of the celebrated Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States, a four volume work with 192 colored plates and selling for about $2000, here presents a selection of plates from the larger work, each with a full description. Plates include two of orchids and one of water lilies. Prang was the foremost printer of chromolithographed plates in the United States. See Bennett p. 75.

US$120. bookID # 12407


MERRILL, Elmer Drew; An Enumeration of Plants Collected in Sumatra by W. N. and C. M Bangham. Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts, The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 1934, First edition, 8vo [25.5 x 17.5 cm]; 178 pp, 14 plates from drawing and photos, index, original heavy paper printed wraps, title lettering on cover, slightly foxed on outer edge of text block, fine, clean and unmarked condition.

Each plant is described in detail, including locations found, previous references, etc, of the over 600 plants, including many orchids, found 1931-1932 in various parts of Sumatra, mostly collected at medium and higher altitudes in the primary forests. Merrill, who also wrote extensively in the botanical area, including of the botany of the Cook voyages, and was with the New York Botanical Garden, provides a good introduction, including references to early material on Sumatra.

US$45. bookID # 12847


MILLICAN, Albert; Travels and Adventures of an Orchid Hunter; An Account of Canoe and Camp Life in Colombia, while Collecting Orchids in the Northern Andes. London, Cassell & Company, 1891, First edition, 8vo [22 x 14.5 cm]; xv, 222, [xv, publisher's ads dated 9/91] pp, color lithographed (chromolithograph) frontis of Cattleya Mendelii, 21 other plates including foldout panorama of Bogot , from photos & drwgs, many other illus, half title page, original pictorial gilt cloth, gilt title lettering on spine and cover with gilt flowers and border, spine faded, edges rubbed, very good copy, interior clean and unmarked.

A narrative of the author's extensive travels in Colombia over a four year period, including five expeditions, with excellent illustrations, mainly by the author's photos, with other illustrations by Gustave Guggenheim, including photos of Odontoglossum Crispum, Miltonia Vexillaria, etc. Most of the illustrations are of views, portraits, jungles, camp, cities, including Carthagena, Bogot , native peoples. Probably the best book on botanical exploration of Colombia of the time. Naylor 315.

US$400. bookID # 11177


MILLICAN, Albert; Travels and Adventures of an Orchid Hunter; An Account of Canoe and Camp Life in Colombia, while Collecting Orchids in the Northern Andes. London, Cassell & Company, 1891, First edition, 8vo [22 x 14.5 cm]; xv, 222, [xv, publisher's ads dated 9/91] pp, color lithographed (chromolithograph) frontis of Cattleya Mendelii, 21 other plates including foldout panorama of Bogot , from photos & drwgs, many other illus, half title page, original pictorial gilt cloth, gilt title lettering on spine and cover with gilt flowers and border, cover faded in parts, spotted, very light dampstain in first 30 pages, mostly to outer edge, inscribed on half-title page, good sound copy.

A narrative of the author's extensive travels in Colombia over a four year period, including five expeditions, with excellent illustrations, mainly by the author's photos, with other illustrations by Gustave Guggenheim, including photos of Odontoglossum Crispum, Miltonia Vexillaria, etc. Most of the illustrations are of views, portraits, jungles, camp, cities, including Carthagena, Bogot , native peoples. Probably the best book on botanical exploration of Colombia of the time. Naylor 315.

US$300. bookID # 12486


MINER, Harriet Stewart; Orchids The Royal Family of Plants, with Illustrations from Nature. London, John Slark, 1885, First British edition, same year as first US edition, folio [36 x 27 cm]; 90 pp, 24 fine color lithographed (chromolithograph) plates from the author's paintings of live plants, original pictorial gilt cloth, gilt spine title lettering, all edges gilted, light wear and chip to spine ends, interior clean with only light offsetting from plates on opposite leaves, a near fine copy in bright covers, plates with good impressions.

Bennett (American Nineteenth Century Color Plate Books) p. 78: 'This is the ranking work on the subject, and very striking'. According to Bennett the first edition, Boston 1885, was issued with text in wrappers and text and plates enclosed in a portfolio, later US issues were bound in one volume. Nissen BBI 1382. This is apparently the first color plate orchid book by an American. The plates include Dendrobium, Masedvallia, Cattleya, Laelia, Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Calanthe, Odontoglossum, Lycaste, Cymbidiums, Vanda, etc. Woodburn-Hedrick 577: 'large format with bightly colored chromolithographs'.

US$600. bookID # 10640


MINER, Harriet Stewart; Orchids The Royal Family of Plants, with Illustrations from Nature. Boston, Lee and Shepard, 1889, , folio [36 x 27 cm]; 90 pp, 24 fine color lithographed (chromolithograph) plates from the author's paintings of live plants, original pictorial gilt cloth, gilt spine title lettering, all edges gilted, spine ends worn, rubbed from shelf wear, interior clean with only light offsetting from plates on opposite leaves, very good copy, with good impressions of plates.

Bennett (American Nineteenth Century Color Plate Books) p. 78: 'This is the ranking work on the subject, and very striking'. Nissen BBI 1382. This is apparently the first color plate orchid book by an American. The plates include Dendrobium, Masedvallia, Cattleya, Laelia, Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Calanthe, Odontoglossum, Lycaste, Cymbidiums, Vanda, etc. Woodburn-Hedrick 577: 'large format with bightly colored chromolithographs'.

US$450. bookID # 10639


ONEAL, Cora M.; Gardens and Homes of Mexico. Dallas, Banks Upshaw and Company, [1947], Second edition, revised, 8vo [23.5 x 16 cm]; xiv, [ii], 221, [iii] pp, frontis (portrait of author), plates from photos, map, bibliog, original cloth, pictorial endpapers, small ink spot on title page, slight musty smell , clean, very good+ copy, signed by author in ink.

An interesting and very well-illustrated work covering pre-conquest gardens, colonial homes and gardens, colonial public buildings with gardens, modern homes and gardens, plants and trees of Mexico. The last chapter is on orchids and orchid hunting.

US$30. bookID # 8396


PUYDT, E. De [Paul Emile]; Les Orchidees. Histoire Iconographique. Organographie, Classification, Geographie, Collections, Commerce, Emploi - Culture, avec Une Revue Descriptive des Especes Cultivees en Europe. Paris, J. Rothschild, Editeur, 1880, First edition, large 8vo [27 x 19 cm]; viii, 348 pp, 50 fine colored lithographed plates (chromolithographs). mostly hand-finished (orig hand coloring), each with tissue guard, 244 other engraved illustrations, index, title page in red and black, contemporary calf backed boards, gilt spine title lettering and decorations, joints rubbed, lightly foxed, very good sound copy.

Covering the orchids that were cultivated in Europe at that time, having been sent mostly from South America, Asia, etc, most of which are still cultivated today. The detailed text (in French) includes much on each species, where they were found, collections, use and culture. The colored plates are 'beautifully done' [Glikbarg, the Orchid Observed #22]. Little is known about the artists M. Leroy or M. Guibert. Nissan 1572. Stafleau TL24810. Burrage catalogue 69.

US$1360. bookID # 12487


RODWAY, James; In the Guiana Forest; Studies of Nature in Relation to the Struggle for Life. London, T. Fisher Unwin, [1911], new, revised and enlarged edition, first issue of second edition, 8vo [21 x 14 cm]; 326 pp, frontis, 23 plates from photos, including one of orchids, original pictorial cloth, spine gilt decorated, gilt spine title lettering, cover faded non-uniformly, interior clean very good.

An important contribution to rain forest botany and ecology. This edition has an additional 8 plates and expanded text and four new chapters based on the author's additional collections and studies in the 16 years after the first edition was published.

US$40. bookID # 10519


RODWAY, James; In the Guiana Forest; Studies of Nature in Relation to the Struggle for Life. London, T. Fisher Unwin, [1911], new, revised and enlarged edition, first issue of second edition, 8vo [21 x 14 cm]; 326 pp, frontis, 23 plates from photos, including one of orchids, original cloth, spine gilt decorated, spine title lettering, slightly foxed on half title page and a few outer margins, near fine.

An important contribution to rain forest botany and ecology. This edition has an additional 8 plates and expanded text and four new chapters based on the author's additional collections and studies in the 16 years after the first edition was published.

US$30. bookID # 12631


RODWAY, James; In the Guiana Forest; Studies of Nature in Relation to the Struggle for Life. London, T. Fisher Unwin, 1894, First edition, 8vo [21 x 14 cm]; xxiii, [errata slip], 242, [vi, ads] pp, frontis, 16 plates from photos, including one of orchids, one of the silk cotton-tree with epiphytes, original cloth, spine gilt decorated, gilt spine title lettering, cover rubbed, endpaper inscription, internal hinges cracked but firm, very good.

An important contribution to rain forest botany and ecology. This copy has the errata slip usually absent, loose as issued.

US$110. bookID # 10825


RODWAY, James; In the Guiana Forest; Studies of Nature in Relation to the Struggle for Life. New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1894, First American Edition, 8vo; xxiii, 242 pp, frontis, 15 plates from photos, including one of orchids, original cloth, spine decorated, fine.

An important contribution to rain forest botany and ecology, based on the author's 24 years of collecting and study in the area.

US$50. bookID # 1340


SHEWELL-COOPER, W. E.; Modern Glasshouse Flowers for Profit. London, Ernest Benn, [1949], First edition, 8vo [21.5 x 14 cm]; 207 pp, illustrations from photos and drwgs, index, original cloth, spine title lettering, dj (worn, very chipped), small stain in outer edge, else very good in worn dj.

With detailed information on glasshouse flower growing and marketing, the author presents still valuable information, including on flowering border plants, pot plants, annuals in pots, bulbs and corms, orchids, control of pests and diseases, greenhouse operations, cultivation, etc.

US$10. bookID # 9556


SMILEY, Nixon; Florida Gardening Month by Month. Coral Gables, Florida, University of Miami Press, [1970], revised edition, the first edition was 1957, 8vo [21.5 x 14 cm]; 189 pp, illustrations from photos and drwgs, original yellow cloth, spine title lettering, light stain on lower inside margin of title page, a good solid copy.

The work covers all aspects of growing ornamentals, orchids, fruit trees, flowers, palms, etc as well as controlling pests, attracting birds, etc, all arranged in a monthly format. The foreword is by Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who describes the book as 'successful and valuable, in a new improved and up-to-date form'.

US$5. bookID # 9389


SOON, Teoh Eng; Orchids of Asia. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Times Books International, [1995], , 4to [28.5 x 20 cm]; ix, 317 pp, over 250 color illustrations from photos and early sources, 45 line drwgs, glossary, bibliog, index, original cloth, spine title lettering, dj (not price clipped, very slight wear to spine edge), interior fresh and clean, near fine copy.

First edition was published in 1980 as 'Asian Orchids' but this second edition is expanded with the addition of three new chapters including commercial orchid farming, handling cut flowers and the use of orchids as medicine, aphrodisiac and food, and the other chapters have been revised and updated. Half the photographs are new. Beautifully illustrated.

US$22. bookID # 12245


STEWART, J. (text), E. F. Hennessy (illus); Orchids of Africa; A Select Review. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company, [1981], First American Edition, 4to [35 x 26 cm]; xii, 159 pp, color frontis, 50 fine color plates from Hennessy's paintings, 8 pages of figure, bibliog, glossary, pictorial endpapers, original cloth, gilt spine title lettering, near fine, clean and unmarked in dj (slight shelf wear, not price clipped).

Few artists have captured orchids as has Hennessy. The text covers orchids in Africa, habits, details of plants and flowers, pollination, seeds and is useful for cultivation purposes.

US$15. bookID # 12694


STEWART, Joyce, Mark Griffiths; The New Royal Horticultural Society Manual of Orchids. Portland, Timber Press, [1995], First American edition, 8vo [24 x 16 cm]; lxiii, [iii], 388 pp, hundreds of detailed illustrations from drawings, including many full-page, glossary, bibliog, original green cloth with gilt spine title lettering, dj (short tear on rear panel, not price clipped), else clean and fine copy.

A comprehensive manual covering all orchid species, grexes and cultivars, each genus with botany, growing guidelines, and with a detailed introduction on propagation, hybridization, conservation, culture.

US$28. bookID # 8023


STEWART, Joyce, Mark Griffiths; The New Royal Horticultural Society Manual of Orchids. Portland, Timber Press, [1995], First American edition, 8vo [24 x 16 cm]; lxiii, [iii], 388 pp, hundreds of detailed illustrations from drawings, including many full-page, glossary, bibliog, original green cloth with gilt spine title lettering, dj, clean, fresh and fine copy.

A comprehensive manual covering all orchid species, grexes and cultivars in cultivation, each genus with botany, growing guidelines, and with a detailed introduction on propagation, hybridization, conservation, culture. The introduction covers all themes common to all orchids.

US$33. bookID # 8867


SWITHINBANK, Anne; A Handbook of Greenhouse and Conservatory Plants. London, Christopher Helm, [1989], First Edition, 8vo [24 x 16 cm]; iv, 188 pp, color plates, text illus, index, original cloth, gilt spine title lettering, fine and clean in dj (slight crease, not price clipped, near fine).

Descriptions of greenhouses and equipment, cultivation, propagation, pests and an extensive listing of greenhouse plants with a description of each. An appendix contains several useful recipes for compost for potting various types of plants including orchids.

US$10. bookID # 13642


THOMPSON, Robert; The Gardener's Assistant: Practical and Scientific, a Guide to the Formation and Management of the Kitchen, Fruit and Flower Garden and the Cultivation of Conservatory, Green-house and Stove Plants, with a Copious Calendar of Gardening Operations. London, Blackie & Son, [1859], First edition, true first printing bound from the original 12 parts with prospectus bound in, large 8vo [26 x 19 cm]; [4, prospectus], xv, 774, 8 [publisher's ads] pp, 12 fine hand-colored engraved plates from drawings by Mrs Withers, 268 wood-engraved illustrations, most text in double columns, tables, index, later half calf with raised bands, gilt vignettes in compartments, gilt spine title lettering, a slight touch of foxing on a few leaves but overall clean with clean and bright plates with tissue guards, near fine in handsome binding.

A detailed and popular gardening work. The fine colored plates by Mrs Withers include fruit, flowers, orchids. She was botanical artist to Queen Adelaide and is mentioned in Sitwell's Fine Flower Books and Blunt's Art of Botanical Illustration. She contributed to some of the best botanical works of the period including Bateman's Orchids, Pomological Magazine, Maund's Botanist, etc and was praised by her contemporaries including Loudon. Massachusetts Horticultural Society Catalogue 310. Later editions, and there were many because of the book's popularity, did not have the plates hand colored. The other illustrations include tools, Victorian greenhouses, garden plans, plants, etc.

US$180. bookID # 8270


TIBBS, Mike; Ray Bilton; Growing Classic Orchids; an Illustrated Identifier and Guide to Cultivation. New York, Sterling Publishing Co., 1999, , 4to [28 x 21.5 cm]; 96 pp, many color illus, glossary, index, original pictorial heavy paper wraps with title lettering on spine and cover, fine, clean and unused condition.

Fine color photos of the over 100 orchid species with details on appearance and needs, easy reference culture tables simplifies growing and makes it easier to pick the best orchids to grow from a bewildering number of species and hybrids.

US$5. bookID # 12593


VALDIVIESO, Pedro Ortiz, Alfonso Martinez, Guillermo Misas Urreta; Orchideas ornamentes de Colombia; Ornamental Orchids of Colombia. Bogot , Carlos Valencia Editories, 1982, , 4to [29 x 21 cm]; 171 pp, 243 colored illustrations from photos on plates, full page map, partly colored showing regions, original cloth, spine title lettering, dj, endpaper name erased, near fine and clean.

In both English and Spanish, the work describes 243 species in detail including ecology, geographic distribution, temperature requirements, flowering season, classification, etc. Many of these grow in other parts of south and central America.

US$35. bookID # 12793


VAN DER PIJL, L., Calaway H. Dodson; Orchid Flowers; Their Pollination and Evolution. Coral Gables, Florida, The Fairchild Tropical Garden, University of Miami Press, [1969], , 4to [28 x 21 cm]; [x], 214 pp, 12 color plates from photos, 114 illustrations from photos and drwgs, bibliog, glossary, index, original cloth, spine title lettering, dj (lightly rubbed, not price clipped), fine and clean.

'The first comprehensive book devoted to pollination in orchids since Darwin's classic, but they go beyond Darwin's scope in discussing the characteristics of the orchid floral types which are so marvelously adapted for pollination by specific types of organisms.' (dj). Incredible illustrations and with a synopsis of taxonomic relations in the orchids and a list of orchids and their known pollinators.

US$20. bookID # 12422


VARESCHI, Volkmra and Ernst Krause; Mountains in Flower. London, Lindsay Drummond, [1942], , large 8vo [25 x 19 cm]; [vi], 159 pp, color frontis, 72 illustrations from photos by Ernst Krause, other illustrations from drwgs, original blue cloth, gilt title lettering, dj (old repairs, chipped), very good in fair dj.

A good work on alpines of various types, including orchids.

US$2. bookID # 9923


VEITCH, James (Harry Veitch, A. H. Kent); A Manual of Orchidaceous Plants, cultivated under glass in Great Britain. Chelsea, James Veitch & Sons, 1887-94, First edition, first issue, large 8vo [25 x 16 cm]; 2 volumes, in 10 parts by genera, hundreds of illustrations including 97 full-page plates and folding, 13 colored maps mostly folding showing geographical distributions, indices, with title & half title pages issued later, later (1953) cloth with gilt spine title lettering, the original heavy paper wraps of each of the 10 parts are bound in (one wrap chipped & repaired), the parts are not bound in order, small stain on outer edge of part VII, fine, clean and unmarked.

In this copy, part X, General Review of the Orchideae is bound first in volume I Originally published in 10 parts, usually bound in 2 volumes, in 1887-1894, it is a milestone and a famous and still useful reference in orchid literature, with descriptions and culture of about 1,700 species and hybrids, together with the history of their discovery and collection, about 1300 pages. Besides the detailed descriptions, the work includes details on the discovery and development of the various species and varieties. Veitch was a leading English nursery, which sent plant hunters to many parts of the world, and introduced numerous new varieties and species. BMNH 2199. Massachusetts Horticultural Library Catalogue 323. Burrage p. 90. Glikbarg (supplement 1982). "Many of the instructions contained in the Manual relative to the care of different orchids are still valuable. Good scientific descriptions in English are given for each species; these descriptions are accompanied by the appropriate references to earlier authorities together with detailed information on habitat, discovery and culture. A substantial amount of interesting detail concerning contemporary and past orchid hunters, collectors and growers is given, much of which would be difficult to find elsewhere. The numerous maps indicating the habitat of various species are valuable and the work is enriched by many well-drawn black and white engraved plates and illustrations

US$650. bookID # 12514


WATKINS, John V.; ABC of Orchid Growing. Chicago, Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, [1948], First edition, 8vo [21 x 14 cm]; x, 134 pp, colored frontis, numerous illustrations from photos and drwgs, glossary of terms, appendix, index, original blue cloth, spine title lettering, dj (tear, chip at edge, not price clipped), near fine and clean in good dj.

A well-illustrated work with chapters on all the most popular genera and a detailed section on general culture including pollination, use of orchids, formulary, etc.

US$5. bookID # 10544


WATSON, W. and W. Bean; Orchids; Their Culture and Management; Full Descriptions of all Species and Varieties that are in General Cultivation, A List of Hybrids Dan their Recorded Parentage, Detailed Cultural Directions. London, L. Upcott Gill, [1890], First edition, second issue without date on title page, thick 8vo [22 x 15 cm]; xii, 554, [xviii, ads for orchids, plants, etc] pp, 12 color lithographed [chromolithograph] plates including frontis from paintings, numerous plates, including folding & 113 illustrations from drawings, bibliog, index, later red cloth, gilt lettering on spine cloth label, several journal clippings on orchids tipped in on preliminary pages, very good sound and solid copy.

First published in 1890, and the most comprehensive orchid book of its time, there was a second edition in 1895, both written by Watson and Bean. Glikbarg 26. Watson in his introduction emphasizes his goal of simplifying the botanical descriptions while maintaining ample cultural notes. It contributed to the growing hobby of amateur orchid growing. This copy has 12 colored plates, although only 8 are normally found in this issue.

US$140. bookID # 10644


WATSON, W. and W. Bean; Orchids; Their Culture and Management; Full Descriptions of all Species and Varieties that are in General Cultivation, A List of Hybrids Dan their Recorded Parentage, Detailed Cultural Directions. London, L. Upcott Gill, [1890], First edition, second issue without date on title page, thick 8vo [22 x 15 cm]; xii, 554, [xxiv, ads for orchids, plants, etc] pp, 8 color lithographed [chromolithograph] plates including frontis from paintings, numerous plates, including folding & 113 illustrations from drawings, bibliog, index, original pictorial cloth with picture of orchids on cover & spine, gilt title lettering on spine and cover, all edges gilted, lower spine worn, frayed, edge lightly rubbed, signature, lightly foxed on 2 pages else clean, interior very good in good.

First published in 1890, and the most comprehensive orchid book of its time, there was a second edition in 1895, written by Watson and Bean. Glikbarg 26. Watson in his introduction emphasizes his goal of simplifying the botanical descriptions while maintaining ample cultural notes. It contributed to the growing hobby of amateur orchid growing. Very well illustrated with good impressions of the attractive colored plates

US$120. bookID # 11210


WICKHAM, Lee, with Jean and Sam Hopley; Orchids for Everybody. New York, Robert M. McBride Co., [1957], First edition, large 8vo [25.5 x 18 cm]; 63 pp, colored frontis, 28 plates from photos, original two-part cloth, gilt spine title lettering, dj (bit rubbed, short tear, not price clipped), fine and clean in good+ dj.

The author, director of the Wickham Gardens in Odessa, New York, describes his growing and breeding of terrestrial orchids that may be grown outdoors in northern regions, including his growing orchids from seeds, with discussions of lady slipper, showy slipper, phantom orchid, twayblade, etc, bog growing, etc.

US$20. bookID # 10556


WILLIAMS, Benjamin Samuel; Choice Stove and Greenhouse Flowering Plants, comprising Descriptions of Upwards of Thirteen Hundred Species and Varieties, accompanied by Instructions for their Cultivation & Mode of Management. London, published by the author, 1883, third edition, enlarged, illustrated, revised, 12mo [20 x 13.5 cm]; viii, 378, [vi, ads] pp, many plates including double-page, other illus, index, original green cloth, gilt spine title lettering, lightly used cover, name on endpaper, minor foxing to title page, otherwise a clean very good sound copy.

The author, a nurseryman and writer of several books on plants including orchids, ferns, ornamental leaved plants, here provides a beautifully illustrated work describing some 1300 plants in detail.

US$40. bookID # 13455


WILLIAMS, Benjamin Samuel; Choice Stove and Greenhouse Ornamental-Leaved Plants, comprising Descriptions of Upwards of Thirteen Hundred Species and Varieties, accompanied by Instructions for their Cultivation & Mode of Management. London, published by the author, 1876, second edition, 12mo [19 x 13 cm]; x, 350, [vi, ads] pp, double-page frontis of large conservatory, many plates, mostly double-page and folding, other illus, index, original green cloth, gilt spine title lettering, slight endpaper foxing, clean, near fine, sound copy.

The author, a nurseryman and writer of several books on plants including orchids, ferns, ornamental leaved plants, here provides a beautifully illustrated work describing some 900 plants in detail.

US$60. bookID # 13456


WILLIAMS, Benjamin Samuel, revised by Henry Williams; The Orchid-Grower's Manual, containing Descriptions of upwards of Nine Hundred and Thirty Orchidaceous Plants; Together with their Times of Flowering and Most Approved Methods of Treatment, Practical Instructions, etc. London, Chapman and Hall, 1877, fifth edition, enlarged and revised, 8vo [20 x 13 cm]; xi, 336, [xxii, ads with illus, including ads for books] pp, colored folding frontis of orchid (Odontoglossom vexillarium), numerous plates including folding, other illustrations (4 with added amateur color), index, original pictorial gilt cloth, gilt title lettering & decoration on spine, light wear at edges, foot of spine with small wear and repair, frontis with old tape repair, a very good copy.

This work went through seven editions from 1852 to 1894, each giving the state of the art of orchid growing at the time and were all very influential and popular. This fifth edition added many species and descriptions that were introduced since the first edition of 1852, and many additional pages. According to Reinikka, through Williams' work "greater understanding of orchid culture was provided and orchids began to enjoy a new popularity as subjects for the average gardener". Glikbarg 31: 'Williams provided the stimulus that made orchid growing possible for the average gardener'. Each edition is sought by orchid book collectors. Horticultural Society of New York 235. Catalogue of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society 341. Duveen (303 April 1973, American Orchid Society): 'the author's renown today rests on this work.'

US$160. bookID # 8315


WILSON, Ernest H.; Plant Hunting. Boston, The Stratford Company, 1927, First edition, 8vo [24 x 17 cm]; 2 volumes, xxix, 248; ix, 276 pp, 127 plates from photos, map endpapers, index, original green cloth with gilt title lettering, spine a little faded, interior is clean and fine, in very good covers.

Wilson, originally worked for Kew and later became the keeper of the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, was one of the most important plant collectors of his time, having traveled extensively in China and Japan, where he found many new species which were introduced to the west for the first time. These included lilies, rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangea, cherries, jasmine, etc. This work surveys his many travels, including Africa, Australia and New Zealand, the tropics of America, China, Japan. He provides excellent descriptions of plant life including orchids, as well as natural history, the people he encountered, and a good overview of previous plant exploration.

US$150. bookID # 10797


WILSON, Ernest H.; Plant Hunting. Boston, The Stratford Company, 1927, First edition, the special autographed issue with author's signature, 8vo [24 x 17 cm]; 2 volumes, xxix, 248; ix, 276 pp, 127 plates from photos, map endpapers, index, original green cloth with gilt title lettering, edges lightly rubbed, near fine set, interior is clean and unmarked, the dust jacket for volume I is present (bit chipped at spine end, small hole, not price clipped) & is scarce.

Wilson, originally worked for Kew and later became the keeper of the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, was one of the most important plant collectors of his time, having traveled extensively in China and Japan, where he found many new species which were introduced to the west for the first time. These included lilies, rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangea, cherries, jasmine, etc. This work surveys his many travels, including Africa, Australia and New Zealand, the tropics of America, China, Japan. He provides excellent descriptions of plant life including orchids, as well as natural history, the people he encountered, and a good overview of previous plant exploration. This copy also includes the loose article, "On the Trail of E. H. Wilson", Eliot Tozer, extracted from Horticulture, November 1994, which describes Wilson's progress as a plant hunter, from the beginning of his carreer through his many discoveries, including of the regal lily, numerous new rose species, over 5.000 species of plants and seeds of over 1,500 other plant species, including 2,000 new to science. The article contains several illustrations, including his portrait.

US$200. bookID # 13279


WOOSTER, David; Alpine Plants; Figures and Descriptions of Some of the Most Striking and Beautiful of the Alpine Flowers. London, Bell and Daldy; George Bell & Sons, 1872-1874, First edition of each volume, 4to [25.5 x 17.5 cm]; 2 volumes, viii, 152; [iii], 140 pp, 108 colored lithographed plates (chromolithographs), each with tissue guard, general index, systematic index, orig pictorial cloth, elaborate decoration in gilt & black on front covers & spines, front coves with mounted oval color plate as issued, all edges gilted, about 20 plates in volume II with dampstain, mostly marginal, light edge rubbing, else near fine.

The attractive plates, several of which are of lady's slipper orchids, were printed by Fawcett of Driffield from paintings by Lydon. The two volumes constitute the complete set, each volume being issued separately, the first volume being successful it was decided to issue a second series, which is why most sets found are with the second edition of the first volume. Nissen 2186. British Museum Natural History 2361. Massachusetts Horticultural Society 346. Jackson 119. Horticultural Society of New York 238.

US$170. bookID # 12580


WRIGHT, John; The Flower Grower's Guide. London, J. S. Virtue & Co., [1897], First edition, first printing with date on preface, 4to [28.5 x 23 cm]; 3 volumes, xii, 352; viii, 352; x, 370 pp, 46 fine colored lithographed (chromolithograph) on art paper, from paintings, hundreds of engraved illustrations, index, contemporary half morocco, gilt spine title lettering and gilt decorations, edges rubbed, one cover a little spotted, internal hinges re-enforced, overall very good but interior is clean and near fine with good impressions of plates.

The attractive colored plates are from paintings by Marie Low and Gertrude Hamilton, and the other illustrations are from drawings by F. W. Burbidge, George Shayler and May Iggulden. An impressive work with a large section on orchids and including all aspects of flower growing and all types of flowers, flowering shrubs and trees, sub-tropical growing, roses, borders, seasons, propagation, azaleas, greenhouse growing, marketing, etc. Later printings had no date on preface and some were bound in 6 volumes instead of three but with same content.

US$300. bookID # 13421


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