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)
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“Pitcher Plants of the Old World is the new reference for all Nepenthes enthusiasts. The two volumes are the fruit of years of research on the field. They gather the most up-to-date information, illustrated with more than 700 outstanding pictures.
-- www.karnivores.com
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“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 (Full text at bottom of page)
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“This is the product of a passion: Two magnificent, luxuriously illustrated and excellently produced volumes, together consisting of approximately 1400 bright and colourful sides, weighing in at 3.6 kg. 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!... This is an optical delicacy, a brilliant overview of material and a dependable botanical reference book, all in one. Congratulations!”
-- Gerald Parolly, Willdenowia, December, 2009 (Full text at bottom of page)
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“This is to date the only publication dealing with the genus Nepenthes throughout its geographical range.... 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 (Full text at bottom of page)
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“Pitcher Plants of the Old World (volumes 1 and 2) by Stewart McPherson arrives as one more astoundingly beautiful and complete work… McPherson as usual has filled these two volumes with a very large number of stunning (mostly) color photographs, maps, and diagrams... And even the newest species are included… All-in-all, this is the finest work available on these pitcher plants, by quite a wide margin. These two volumes belong in all colleges and university libraries, and all botanists should consider purchasing their own copy… The gorgeous photographs should enchant students and professionals alike. Buy a copy today.” -- Douglas Darnowski, Plant Science Bulletin 56(1), 2010
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“Pitcher Plants of the Old World is the latest offering from Stewart McPherson, who in only a few short years has established himself as one of the leading popularizers and premier photographers of carnivorous plants... aimed at a broad and botanically curious audience, these volumes are a qualified success . McPherson provides a solid overview of the biology, ecology, diversity, distribution, and conservation status of Cephalotus ... and the 120 known and a few unnamed species of Nepenthes... Gorgeous photographs are accompanied by paragraphs on: nomenclature and etymology; habitat and geographic range... the production is lavish—heavyweight glossy paper, full-color and true-to-life photographs... anyone who enjoys carnivorous plants will be able to spend many hours captured by Pitcher Plants of the Old World.“
-- Aaron Ellison, RHODORA, Vol. 112, No. 949, pp. 95–97, 2010 (Full text at bottom of page)
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“Pitcher Plants of the Old World is… a love letter to three-years of study and travel activities to explore one of the most fascinating groups of plants of earth… These two volumes satisfy all (botanical) wishes. Thanks to the excellent, mostly full-page color photographs, not only botanists hearts will beat faster. Only the highest praise can be given to the author Stewart McPherson, his staff and the publisher.”
-- R. Gerstmeier, Entomofauna - Zeitschrift Für Entomologie, 32 (9): 206-207, 29th April 2011 (Full text at bottom of page)
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"Simply one of the finest books I own or have seen. The level or research is extraordinary, and everything that I hoped, the first complete study of Nepenthes would be. Absolutely speechless!"
-- Customer Review, M. Johnson, London, England, August, 2009
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"I have been drooling over the books ever since they arrived! So many species I had not seen photos of and many I had barely heard of. Everything I always wanted to know about these incredible plants!"
-- Customer Review, T Greenwood, Ontario, Canada, December, 2009
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“I just got the books [Pitcher Plants of the Old World vol. 1 & 2]. I am a very very picky book collector. I don't like to crack the spine... I don't like the jacket getting creased. I even turn the pages as if it's a book from the 1st century. Your books all fit that criteria. I can't believe my eyes. Everything I have wanted to know about our beautiful obsession is in here. These are the best books and I am thankful for the privilege of owning them and thank you for writing them. These books will be with me for the rest of my life... close to my heart. And I also thank you for inscribing my name. I just can't get over how thorough you have been with the book. Your love of Nepenthes is clearly apparent and I... just can't describe how amazing it is to read these books. Thank you very very much.”
-- Customer Review, Varun A. Canada, September, 2009
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“Perfect service and communication! Well packaged and arrived safe. The Lost Worlds documentary and book are just amazing. Pitcher Plants of the Old World is 1400 pages of pure happiness. Thanks for your incredible series of books, complete, very well illustrated, and very instructive. Surely the most beautiful pages I've ever seen.“
-- Customer Review, G. Comte, France, January, 2010
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“I luv em, and am very glad to have purchased them. Some really wonderful photo's and loads of them. They are quality publications and amazingly good value for what you get. I also like the smallish size of the books (just over half A4), which makes it comfortable to hold and read. Being the standard size for all his books, means they sit well as a collection on the shelf.
With the species being covered on a geographic basis, it is nice to see how the different species relate to each other. With nice explainations on the differences between similar species.
I would recommend them to anyone with an interest in Neps. I don't think you'll be sorry. They will become some of the must have classic's. So get them now, while they are still affordable.“
-- Customer Review, P. Green, UK, January, 2010
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“Excellent book, wonderful photos, and very knowledgeable author. Quick ship from the UK to USA. Thanks so much. Now I have volumes 1 and 2. A+++++++“
-- Customer Review, G. Ockey, San Francisco, CA, USA, July, 2010
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“Being a Nepenthes lover and a grower of over 200 of them your book is both a guide and an inspiration to me. You won’t believe it but I have them on my night stand so I can read them every evening before I go to bed. They are just technical enough for us non-technical people and just readable enough for us Nepenthes lovers who want to know how and where they grow. These are definitely the definitive books on Nepenthes. Thank God you are crazy enough to go all over God’s creation to find these remarkable plants… Thanks for your great publications. “
-- Customer Review, D. Silverman, United States, August, 2010
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“The "Pitcher Plants of the Old World" books are probably the most gorgeous books I own, I've been dipping into them almost every day since they arrived.“
-- Customer Review, G. Davis, Leeds, England, October, 2010
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“An absolutely amazing creation! No Nepenthes collector (or serious hobbyists) should be without these book. Finally, I have to call out the exceptional quality of the photos and high quality printing. The physical books are top notch quality for many, many years of reading, bookmarking, making notes in the margins, etc.“
-- Customer Review, T. Nodine, San Jose, CA, USA, December, 2010
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Full Review:
"In less than three years Stewart McPherson has published five excellent volumes comprising 2,555 pages and 1,523 numbered figures, mostly color photos, an astounding number of which are of National-geographic splendor: It first was Pitcher plants of the Americas, then it was Glistening Carnivores and Lost worlds of the Guiana Highlands. Now it is Pitcher plants of the Old World, volumes 1–2.
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
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Full Review:
"Following on from the author’s Pitcher Plants of the Americas (2006) and Glistening Carnivores (2008), these two volumes cover the Old World pitcher plants, the genera Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae) and the monotypic south-western Australian endemic Cephalotus (Cephalotaceae). In keeping with the earlier volumes, this new work is lavishly illustrated with photographs many of which were taken by the author during 18 months of intensive and challenging fieldwork over a three-year period.
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."
-- Michael Fay, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Vol. 161, 2009
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Full Review:
"This is the product of a passion: Two magnificent, luxuriously illustrated and excellently produced volumes, together consisting of approximately 1400 bright and colourful sides, weighing in at 3.6 kg. It is the result of a three-year pilgrimage to study ca. 120 species of Nepenthes and the monotypic Cephalotus follicularis.
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
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Full Review:
"Stewart McPherson shares his fascination for carnivorous plants and he has published various earlier works on the subject, including the excellent Pitcher Plants of the Americas (McPherson, 2006) and Glistening Carnivores (McPherson, 2008), where, as in the current two volumes, many carnivorous plants are described and beautifully illustrated with photographs taken by the author during his intensive field work in often challenging countries and stunning localities.
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 Christenhusz, Phytotaxa, December, 2009
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Full Review:
“Pitcher Plants of the Old World (volumes 1 and 2) by Stewart McPherson arrives as one more astoundingly beautiful and complete work from this author, who has embarked on a project of documenting most of the world’s carnivorous plants. He has already covered, among other topics, the sticky-leaved carnivores (sundews, rainbow plants, etc.) and the pitcher plants of the New World (Sarraceniaceae). Here he covers the Nepenthaceae (Madagascar through some South Pacific islands and many points in between and to the north) and Cephalotaceae (southwestern Western Australia).
McPherson as usual has filled these two volumes with a very large number of stunning (mostly) color photographs, maps, and diagrams. The bulk of the text considers Nepenthes since, in terms of the number of species and geographic extent, it is orders of magnitude larger than the monogeneric, monospecific Cephalotaceae. Nepenthes is considered by geographic region. And even the newest species are included, not much of a surprise since the newest, and one of the three or four largest-pitchered species was recently named N. attenboroughii after the famous Sir David Attenborough by McPherson and colleagues.
Along the way McPherson also gives plenty of attention to a general consideration of carnivorous plants and pitcher plants, including trapping mechanism and mutualistic fauna which inhabit trapping pitchers. He also provides coverage of issues which seriously threaten the survival of many Nepenthes species, as well as information on cultivation of various species (highland Nepenthes are notoriously tricky to keep alive, even among those for whom carnivorous plants are more an obsession than a hobby). All-in-all, this is the finest work available on these pitcher plants, by quite a wide margin.
These two volumes belong in all colleges and university libraries, and all botanists should consider purchasing their own copy. Nepenthes are some of the most popular and recognizable carnivorous plants, and what botanist hasn’t been asked about carnivorous plants? The gorgeous photographs should enchant students and professionals alike. Buy a copy today.”
-- Douglas Darnowski, Plant Science Bulletin 56(1), 2010
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Full Review:
"Pitcher Plants of the Old World is the latest offering from Stewart McPherson, who in only a few short years has established himself as one of the leading popularizers and premier photographers of carnivorous plants... Pitcher Plants of the Old World is based on the author’s dedicated travel seeking out carnivorous plants throughout the world. The volumes cover the unrelated genera Nepenthes and Cephalotus. The unifying theme is that these genera occur on many ‘‘Old World’’ islands and continents—from New Caledonia to Madagascar, and from Australia to India and Sri Lanka. As an introduction to Nepenthes and Cephalotus aimed at a broad and botanically curious audience, these volumes are a qualified success . McPherson provides a solid overview of the biology, ecology, diversity, distribution, and conservation status of Cephalotus follicularis Labill. (a narrow endemic known only from a few locations in southwest Australia) and the 120 known and a few unnamed species of Nepenthes. McPherson begins by giving a brief synopsis of carnivorous plants of the world and by reviewing some well-trodden introductory ground describing how Charles and Francis Darwin and Joseph Hooker, among others, demonstrated that some plants can capture and derive nutrients from animals...
The bulk of the two volumes (over 1000 pages) consists of individual descriptions of each Nepenthes species. Gorgeous photographs are accompanied by paragraphs on: nomenclature and etymology; habitat and geographic range; structure of the plant’s photosynthetic lamina (an expanded leaf base and petiole); prey-capturing pitchers (epiascidiate leaves) and the elaborate peristomes that rim the pitchers; inflorescences and flowers; related species; and threats and conservation status...
After... 35 pages dedicated to Cephalotus, Volume Two concludes with a welcome discussion of the major conservation issues—habitat loss, poaching, and the impact of non-native and feral animals that can destroy small populations—and a guide to reputable distributors of pitcher plants and other carnivorous plants. All these growers propagate their plants using tissue culture or cultivated seeds and like McPherson himself, all participate importantly in global efforts to conserve carnivorous plants... the production is lavish—heavyweight glossy paper, full-color and true-to-life photographs
... anyone who enjoys carnivorous plants will be able to spend many hours captured by Pitcher Plants of the Old World. It is a substantial synthesis of the current natural history knowledge about Nepenthes and Cephalotus. Although at nearly 5 kg the two volumes are much too heavy to carry into the field, the photographs alone are worth the comparatively modest price (only 12¢ per page or 3¢ per gram). The site descriptions and photographs also will whet one’s appetite for traveling into the remote islands, highlands, and forests of the Old World to see these incredible pitcher plants first-hand."
-- Aaron Ellison, RHODORA, Vol. 112, No. 949, pp. 95–97, 2010
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Full Review:
"Pitcher Plants of the Old World is not a "field guide" or a "simple" monograph on pitcher plants, it is a love letter to three-years of study and travel activities to explore one of the most fascinating groups of plants of earth.
Volume 1 begins with a detailed historical overview of research on pitcher plants in the ancient world. Chapter 2 deals with the systematic position of the genus Nepenthes, their ontogeny and evolution. The section "Trapping Processes" covers in detail the mechanisms and processes by which animals are caught. The last of the "general" chapters… [is] an overview of the relationships of the plants and their associated animal life.
Before the individual members of the genus Nepenthes are presented, one informative introductory text is presented on all aspects of this genus: botanical and taxonomic history, life cycles, identification characteristics, traditional uses and the typical habitats. Then follows the documentation of the 125 taxa, broken down by their geography (Borneo, Malaysia, and Indochina, Philippines, Sumatra and Java, Sulawesi, Moluccas and New Guinea, Outlying areas and hybrids). This part extends into a second volume, and covers the genus Cephalotus in the same way.
The final chapters of the second volume deal with habitat loss and extinction risks, cultivation and horticulture. The appendix includes a conversion table of metric and imperial units, a description of a new species (N. micramphora) of Mindanao, a history of the discovery of N. attenboroughi, a clarification of the taxonomic status of a red crab spider, a glossary and the extensive quoted literature.
These two volumes satisfy all (botanical) wishes. Thanks to the excellent, mostly full-page color photographs, not only botanists hearts will beat faster. Only the highest praise can be given to the author Stewart McPherson, his staff and the publisher."
-- R. Gerstmeier, Entomofauna - Zeitschrift Für Entomologie, 32 (9): 206-207, 29th April 2011
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