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