I am sure that I can state without fear of contradiction that few naturalists, including the most resolute and dedicated among us, possess in-depth knowledge of mosses and their allies, and almost certainly pay them little attention.
This is the book to help you understand the taxa more completely, alleviate your reticence to explore them, and to acquire knowledge hitherto deemed impossible - if you even thought about it at all. A winning combination by any measure.
Joanna Wilbraham has done a masterful job in guiding us through the world beneath our feet. Your next walk through the forest will be more complete than it has ever been before.
I did not know the author at all, but a Google search reveals that she is relatively new to the profession and already making her mark. I am confident that we may look forward to more scholarly works in the future.
Apart from anything else, there are delicious new words to learn. Who can fail to rejoice in Anthocerotophyta, Marchantiophyta and Bryophyta? The reader is marched through complete pathways, include an introduction, and sections on life cycles, anatomy, distribution and habitats, interactions with people, bryophytes in the Anthropocene (not good as you might imagine), and bryophyte diversity.
There follows multiple generic accounts, wonderfully done, with a description, range map, full colour picture and notes on distribution, etymology (music to my ears), number of species, appearance and habitat.
I am already resolved today or tomorrow to take the book with me into my backyard, where rocks and an old patio have a liberal growth of moss, to test my proficiency with the book.
Princeton University Press is to be congratulated for producing so many wonderful books on a wider and wider range of organisms. We are the privileged beneficiaries of an ever increasing store of knowledge at our fingertips. As a confirmed Luddite who cherishes physical books above most things in life, these volumes are very precious to me and I suspect they will be to you too.
As always, full use is made of the ubiquity of digital photography, and each page is filled with glorious illustrations. It is a sensual experience merely to flip through the pages. Beware, however, you will get sidetracked and linger long. But, how better to spend your time?
Welcome - or welcome back - to the amazing world of Anthocerotophyta, Marchantiophyta and Bryophyta. You are in good company!
Mosses, Liverworts & Hornworts of the World: A Guide to Every Order - Princeton University Press
Joanna Wilbraham
US$32.00 - £28.00 - ISBN: 9780691265193
Hardcover - 240 pages - many coloured illustrations, maps, charts and diagrams
6.75 x 9.5 inches (16.875 x 23.75 cm)
Publication date: 05 August, 2025
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That book would have been something for me, David. I think moss and lichen are such exciting plants. At my son's cabin there is a lot of moss growing that I have never seen before. It is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
A result that synthesized the activity of many years.
ReplyDeleteI love those words too and it would be such a pleasure to sit in your library David and devour all those books! I did order the insect book and can hardly wait!
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
...this is a topic that I'd love to know more about.
ReplyDeleteMosses are a fascinating group of small plants, reaching only 1-10 cm in height.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy touching them. I do so very carefully because they are so delicate and easily damaged. The book is beautifully published, and your wonderful review encourages me to read it.
Sending summer greetings.
I think my Grandie would like that one!
ReplyDeleteChristmas is not too far off!
DeleteGosh...Anthocerotophyta, Marchantiophyta and Bryophyta...so many new words for me...I like moss!
ReplyDeleteI had a course at university where for one lesson, we had a look at Bryophyta and Marchantiophyta. I do remember a few things, like Czech common names of a few species but I'm very far behind when it comes to this stuff. However this book looks so amazing. Very pleasant to the eye. :)
ReplyDeleteI welcome the opportunity to learn more about these organisms that are ubiquitous but often unnoticed in our lives. This book sounds like a valuable resource for that purpose.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought moss on old brick buildings looked cool.
ReplyDeleteWonderful book review. I enjoy the variety of subjects you read about.
ReplyDeleteI like photographing moss.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, David! Thanks for sharing this. In response to your question on my post today, I have not been to the Arboretum. Remember, though, I do not have a car and take public transit...and I need to find a good day to do it. I have, though, been to the Ecomuseum! :)
ReplyDeleteSomething I know nothing about so this book would help. :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing another worthwhile and informational read.
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