Book Review: The Classic Cattleyas

The Classic Cattleyas

I saw this book at the Atlanta Botanical Garden a few months ago and was stunned at how beautiful the book was. The author has a great deal of experience in with Cattleyas and liberally expands the definition to include some related species.

Here is the publisher's description:
In 1818, William Cattley succeeded in flowering one of the first species of the genus that would bear his name. These first cattleyas are the classic cattleyas, whose form defined the essence of tropical orchids for generations to come. Indeed, the color of their flowers became known as "orchid." In this helpful and informative book, each classic Cattleya species is described in fascinating detail, and its role in breeding programs is elucidated. All that is required to appreciate and grow the large-flowered cattleyas successfully is included. Cultivation, humidity and watering, fertilizing, propagation, and diagnosing and treating problems are detailed, making this volume valuable for both veteran orchid enthusiasts and those who simply love these beautiful flowers.

Here is a partial review from Orchids magazine:

"Another in the long line of fine horticulture books from this publisher. Everything about this book simply screams, 'Read me.' While the main focus of the book is on the species, Chadwick also discusses the early days of cattleya hybridizing, giving a wonderfully accurate picture of how we arrived at the dizzying breadth and range of colors now seen."—Ned Nash, Orchids, May 2006 (Ned Nash Orchids )

This book is a "must-have" for the Cattleya lover!