Monday, September 08, 2025

Book Review - Europe's Alpine Flowers: A Field Guide - Princeton University Press WILDGuides

 

     As best I can tell, 48 titles have been published in the WildGuides series of books, dating back to 2013; their unifying feature is quality! The topics are wide and varied, the commitment to excellence unique.
     The book I now have next to me on my desk  exemplifies this character in spades. By taking full advantage of improved publishing and printing techniques, by harnessing and consolidating the efforts of all collaborators, by having access to a library of photographs hitherto unrivalled, and by a principled commitment to publishing at the highest level, Europe's Alpine Flowers sets an already high bar even higher. 
     It is a matter of great sadness that Bob Gibson, as enigmatic and obsessive a naturalist as ever searched for a flower, did not live to see the book published. Over-the-top oratory, especially in praise of those no longer with us, comes easy, but in Bob's case every accolade is warranted, and is perhaps not enough. He was a remarkable man and it is not banal to say that we will not soon see his like again.
     Peter Marren and Richard Mabey contribute a moving tribute to their friend and colleague. We learn a great deal about Bob through their sensitive words. To some extent, this book will be a monument to him.
     Now to the book itself!
     It has become standard treatment in WildGuides that each page is embellished with a stunning array of colour photographs. This work is no exception.


      Many pictures are Bob's own, others from dedicated botanists enthralled with the rich variety of alpine flowers they love so much. I would venture to say that few sights in nature are more glorious than an alpine meadow in bloom.
      A section entitled, "Where to see alpine flowers" furnishes a list, country by country, mountain range by mountain range, a veritable inducement to travel to experience the wonder with one's own eyes. I am vividly reminded of time that I have spent in such environments and the pleasure it has brought me. Bob not only studied the flowers, he was very attuned to the inter-relationship between the plants and other organisms whose lives are intertwined with them. 
     There is an exposition of alpine habitats, delineating the characteristics of each type. Knowing habitat is foundational to any study of nature, of course.


     The glossary is first class and follows what seems to be a trend by positioning it at the front of the book rather than at the end, as has traditionally been the case.
     The accounts of individual plants, grouped within families, is exhaustive. The accounts, accompanied by a picture, are brief yet complete, covering details of the plant, its elevation, soil preferences, flowering period, and the countries where it may be found. 


     Perhaps I may be permitted the liberty of ending with a personal anecdote. Many years ago, on a visit to northern California, I had the pleasure of meeting Rich Stallcup, a bit of a legend in the birding community there. Upon inquiring of people what they had seen, and receiving a dismissive reply, such as, "Just a few robins," Stallcup would say, "Sure, you've seen lots of robins, but have you ever seen THAT robin."
     I think that Bob Gibbons might have replied in similar fashion about an Edelweiss. "Have you ever seen THAT Edelweiss." 
     It's a great lesson for us all.


Europe's Alpine Wildflowers: A Field Guide - Princeton University Press WILDGuides
Paperback - US$29.95, £25.00 - ISBN 9780691230788
496 pages - 5.88 x 8.25 inches (14.69 x 20.625 cm)
Publishing date: U.S.A - 02 September, 2025
                            UK - 24 June, 2025


David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

8 comments:

  1. Looks like a good one and I like the layout of the book too :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It would be a valuable tool in the highlands of Scotland.

      Delete
  2. Sad that Bob Gibson didn't live to see 😢 the book published. Thank you for sharing your review.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That looks like a must-have book for anyone who plans a trip to such places or who is just very interested in the topic. Such a beautiful and informative book would appeal to many.

    ReplyDelete
  4. There are so many wild flowers around Rhein that I have no idea what they are called...this would be a perfect book for me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ...one of Mother Nature's best gardens.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That looks like a thick volume. Alpine wildflowers are always so pretty, especially in the peak of summer. I haven't seen any in Europe (that I can think of) but I bet they are as beautiful as those in the US and Canad that I have seen. Happy new week David!

    ReplyDelete

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

Followers