In his study of the Tulip, Richard Wilford of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, provides a comprehensive consideration of various aspects under the headings: Geography, The Tulip Plant, Cultivation, and History & Classification; the book also includes suggestions as to where to buy species tulips in Canada, the UK and the US. There is also a Glossary, Bibliography and an Index.

The major part of the book looks at the individual species with detailed descriptions. Also listed is the genus Amana, and the more popular garden hybrids are also briefly considered under the various classifications. The plant descriptions are detailed and informed, often include notes on the species' history and specific comments on cultivation; Wilford occasionally offers his own opinions to a species' worth and use in the garden - making the descriptions very practical. Entires vary in length from a short paragraph to two or more pages for the more interesting species.

The book is illustrated with over 100 colour photographs varying in size from about a quarter to half a page, plus a one or two maps and drawings. The photographs appear alongside the plant entries, but far from all the plants listed are illustrated. A valuable addition to the gardener's library. ( )