Finally! Aloes the Definitive Guide by Carter et. al. has arrived!
I received my first box today (all spoken for), but the rest should arrive tomorrow or the next day.
The book is excellent with descriptions for each species and most have multiple images. There is an extensive section on Aloe history at the beginning as well as general Aloe info and cultivation advice.
Well, since I absolutely have blown my book budget for the century, and have no possible reason to be interested in succulents of any kind, especially Aloes, I guess I'll just have to order it immediately!
It’s not the fall that kills you; it’s the sudden stop at the end.
Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001)
My copy arrived the same day! My impression after leafing through the book, stopping at some of my favorite garden specimens (some questionable) is that it is an absolute requirement for anyone seriously interested in this group! I foresee a lot of examination of plants and images in my future!!
I have used and loved both the Reynolds books; Aloes of South Africa, 1960 & Aloes of Tropical Africa & Madagascar, 1966 plus the 1974 Barbara Jeppe book that have constituted the basic Aloe bookshelf for years. Since all of these are now out of print and very scarce, this is a much needed and very worthy, single volume reference work.
Those thoroughly infected will still search out the several good regional studies and books but most of what they cover will also be found in this single work. It's bibliography alone could save a lot of research.
I've used my Guide to Aloes of SA daily - always looking for something - so I could not wait for the new book!! And I ordered mine - now the waiting starts!!
