From Booklist
Timber Press, one of the more prolific publishers of books for gardeners, horticulturists, and botanists, provides readers with this first-rate guide to magnolias. In her introduction, Callaway points out that the flower was first cultivated by Chinese monks, to whom the flowers symbolized purity, as early as A.D. 650; it was introduced to European gardens in 1688. Callaway explains the biology and terminology of 80 species, followed by chapters on the species' culture, propagation, taxonony (naming and classification), cross-breeding, and hybridizers. The list of species offers information on each plant's scientific name, common name, native range, historical background, garden merits, flowering and fruiting dates, and cultivars and hybrids. George Cohen

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Magnolias have a well-deserved reputation as "aristocrats" among landscape plants. Dorothy Callaway here provides an excellent guide to the species, cultivars, and hybrids, illustrated with more than 140 splendid color photographs. A reference of value to both layperson and enthusiast, The World of Magnolias documents magnolia history, culture, biology, taxonomy, propagation, breeding, and hybridizers. The only available book to encompass all the magnolia species, it provides an encyclopedic listing of the more than eighty known species. In addition, it offers the most complete listing of cultivars yet published. The number of available magnolia hybrids has skyrocketed in recent years; this book is the only comprehensive source of information on those hybrids. Magnolias have a long and romantic history of cultivation. They have been documented in the garden as early as A.D. 650, when Buddhist monks planted Magnolia denudata at temples for the symbolic purity of its stunning white flowers. Since most magnolias are highly ornamental, their use in the garden landscape is a primary focus of this book. The author points out, however, that they also attract wildlife, provide cut flowers, and serve for timber and medicinal purposes. These beautiful and useful plants have much to offer the gardener. For all those interested in knowing more about magnolias, Dorothy Callaway's book will be an essential tool.

FROM THE CRITICS

BookList - George Cohen