Pitcher Plants Of The Old World Volume One - Hardback Review
Reviews and Testimonials
“McPherson is advancing with blazing speed through the world of carnivorous plants, and leaving an enduring legacy in his wake. McPherson’s latest opus, the result of a three-year project, treats the pitcher plants of the Old World... It is all an exemplary product in line with McPherson’s previous three books. Botany is indeed blessed to benefit so immensely from the scientific, observational, photographic, and narrative skills of the indefatigable Mr. McPherson. May he live long and prosper.” -- Rudolf Schmid, TAXON, August 2009 (Full text at bottom of page)McPherson is advancing with blazing speed through the world of carnivorous plants, and leaving an enduring legacy in his wake. McPherson’s latest opus, the result of a three-year project, treats the pitcher plants of the Old World: the monotypic Cephalotus follicularis and 125 species (5 provisional) of Nepenthes. The 751 numbered figures are mostly color photos; over 30 species have their photos published for the first time. There are two volumes: volume 1 begins with an introduction and four chapters, whereas volume 2 ends with two chapters, an appendix with three articles (two guest ones), and the traditional back matter (see heading for details). Sandwiched between are ten chapters: an extensive 109-page overview of the morphology, systematics, and ecology of Nepenthes, seven chapters on geographic regions where Nepenthes is found, a discussion of its hybrids, and the account of Cephalotus. It is all an exemplary product in line with McPherson’s previous three books. Botany is indeed blessed to benefit so immensely from the scientific, observational, photographic, and narrative skills of the indefatigable Mr. McPherson. May he live long and prosper."
-- Rudolf Schmid, TAXON, August 2009
The author states “I have prepared this two volume work to provide a visually rich overview of the biology, ecology, diversity, distribution and conservation status of Nepenthes and Cephalotus. This work is not intended as a botanical or taxonomic monograph”)... however, this is really the only publication that deals with Nepenthes throughout its range, and the taxonomic works to which he refers the reader are, in contrast, all regional treatments. No other work provides the level of information given here for Nepenthes, with details of the original description, etymology, synonymy, hybrids (if any are known), distribution, habitat, habit and morphology. An informal assessment of the conservation status is also made where sufficient information is available. Photographs illustrating the habitat, habit and pitchers (including forms on different parts of the plant where appropriate) are provided for all species. Colour variants of the pitchers of many species are also illustrated. Cephalotus is treated in similar depth and, like Nepenthes, is sumptuously illustrated with approximately 30 photographs, line drawings etc.
The chapter on cultivation and horticulture provides historical information and up to date details on the conditions required to grow Nepenthes and Cephalotus successfully.
I recommend these volumes enthusiastically to carnivorous plant enthusiasts in particular and botanists in general. Full of interesting facts and wonderful illustrations, they are very good value for money. They will, I am sure, grace bookshelves and coffee tables for years to come and will provide an ongoing source of authoritative information on these fascinating plants."
-- M. Fay Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Vol. 161, 2009
The result is a completely unique handbook, singular in relevance; wealth of detail, quality, substance and the beauty of the photos that are presented... it... weaves a breath of adventurous spirit and discovery through the lines of the text... Together with the photos, this is advertising for biodiversity research par excellence! After the introduction, the work introduces the mysterious life of carnivorous plants in a global and historic context, then nearly 20 pages provide a general introduction to Nepenthes and Cephalotus, covering, amongst other things, distribution, evolution, and morphology. Next, over 90 sides cover the fascinating subjects of prey capture and infauna. Alone this section and its photos justify the acquisition of the work! Pages 147–1226 then cover the regional groupings in the work. A separate chapter covers hybrids at the end.
More than 20 species of Nepenthes are documented and depicted here for the first time in detail... it is a true treasure trove for all possible details... complimented by spectacular photos... In the rich appendix, Nepenthes micramphora, a newly discovered species is described for the first time.
Here the pitcher plants of the old world become unusually fascinating study objects in this unique book. The author is, by the way, just 26 years old, and has already published three further works... This is an optical delicacy, a brilliant overview of material and a dependable botanical reference book, all in one. Congratulation! "
-- Gerald Parolly, Willdenowia, December, 2009
This is to date the only publication dealing with the genus Nepenthes throughout its geographical range. He humbly refers the reader to other taxonomic works, but these are all regional treatments. The level of information provided on all the species of Nepenthes is outstanding and has no precedent. For all species a detailed description and details of etymology, synonymy, hybrids (if any are known), distribution and habitat are provided. Most importantly, all species are accompanied by high quality pictures, of the species in their natural environment, all professionally produced, showing habit and pitchers, including details of different parts, and colour variants are also often illustrated. An informal assessment of the conservation status is also made where sufficient information is available. The author's enthusiasm for the conservation and his commitment to habitat and ex situ conservation are shown throughout the two volumes, and control of illegal collecting from the wild is advised.
It is an excellent work to be enjoyed by plant enthusiasts and professional botanists alike, and is a must-have for carnivorous plant enthusiasts in particular. The volumes will certainly remain an important resource on the fascinating world of pitcher plants. They are beautifully produced, full of detailed illustrations and interesting facts."
-- Maarten J.M. Christenhusz, Phytotaxa, December, 2009