Wildflower Wonders - by Bob Gibbons (Hardcover)

About the Book

"First published in the United Kingdom in 2011 by New Holland Publishers, London"--T.p. verso.

Book Synopsis

The most spectacular wild blooms on the planet

Wildflower Wonders showcases the most spectacular displays of wild blooms on the planet, from infrequent flowerings in the Mojave and other deserts to regular but no less stunning alpine wildflower "events" in Italy, South Africa, and Australia. This magnificently illustrated volume features 200 panoramic, full-color photographs as well as a color map for every site and at-a-glance information panels that highlight the kinds of flowers at each location and the best times to see them in bloom. The informative text gives a botanical profile of each location, and also describes the ecology and conservation status of these sites and the animal life to be found at them.

A book unlike any other, Wildflower Wonders is a visual feast for travelers and armchair naturalists alike.

• Showcases the most spectacular wild flowerings on the planet
• Features 200 full-color photos
• Describes noteworthy flower species, ecology, conservation status, and animal life
• Includes color maps and at-a-glance information panels

From the Back Cover

"This stunningly beautiful book provides a wealth of information about when and where to see the world's most impressive displays of wildflowers. The text is a pleasure to read and readily conveys the author's enthusiasm for his subject. Wildflower lovers will be easily seduced by the vast flower-filled landscapes and intimate portraits of individual species. I can think of no other book like it."--Carol Gracie, coauthor of Wildflowers in the Field and Forest

Review Quotes

"A glorious evocation of some of the most spectacular sights which the natural world has to offer. . . . The combination of travel, an almost encyclopedic knowledge of plants across several continents, and the eye of a photographer has been superbly used in this book."---Andrew Branson, British Wildlife

"A great book to help assist in trip planning and definitely opened my eyes up to some new places that would be worth trying to visit."---Eddie Callaway, Birdfreak.com

"A mouthwatering treat. . . . With stunning close-up images and wide-angle panoramas, he captures the excitement of the floral world, untouched (or at least relatively so) by human hands."---Richard G. Turner, Jr., Pacific Horticulture magazine

"A stunning guide to the best wildflower sites in the world. . . . The superior photographs, in-depth information, and inclusive species list will be valuable to flower-loving travelers of every sort."---Susan G. Baird, Library Journal

"An excellent resource for planning where to go on your next trip or to just be enjoyed for its photos and information."---Sandy Steinman, Natural History Wanderings blog

"If you are a wildflower lover, but maybe less fond of trotting around the globe, then Wildflower Wonders provides an opportunity for a colorful virtual visit to some amazing places."---William Scheick, Texas Gardener

"If you're any kind of gardener, or even simply like seeing pretty garden flowers, you will enjoy this. . . . Easy to pick up, browse, read all the way through, or just enjoy the photos, this is one book that you'll be glad to keep in your favorite reading spot, whether it's by the comfy chair, on the bedside table, or in the magazine rack in the reading room. I highly recommend Wildflower Wonders."---Alan Speakman, eBirdseed.com

"If your travel takes you to remote places, or you are interested in exploring the wonders of nature, you'll appreciate the book's listings of useful contacts, and tour operators. I know I'll be perusing the list of plant species on those winter nights when I'm immersed in the book's splendid images and vivid narratives, as I dream of my next sojourn."---Alice's Garden and Travel Buzz blog

"In his latest book, accomplished botanist and photographer Bob Gibbons treats us to a smorgasbord of botanical delight--50 of the most flowery places on Planet Earth. Flicking through the 192 pages of Wildflower Wonders, the sites he spotlights are so colourful, it's hard to believe that they are real and not a cyberspace creation."---Ron Toft, The Travel Editor

"More than just a coffee table book of pictures, though. Gibbons does an excellent job weaving together cultural and geological history with the ecology of the areas in ways I wish I could. His discussion of the settlement history of the Julian Alps or the unique geology of the Dolomites in Italy that differentiates its flora from nearby limestone grasslands."-- "Wild Plants Post"

"Sheer delight and a welcome escapism. . . . Wildflower Wonders is a feast to the eyes, a symphony of colors. . . . The vast flower-filled landscapes are awesome and breathtakingly beautiful. One cannot help but marvel at how nature is always at its best when left alone."---Lisa Kaaki, Arab News

"The most beautiful reference book of 2011."---Brian E. Coutts, Library Journal

"The new book Wildflower Wonders by Bob Gibbons is a superb introduction to many of the globe's floral hotspots. . . . This is a stunning book that should find a home on the shelves of many curious gardeners."---Hardy Perennial blog

"This book should be in any library, whether you are a bird watcher, photographer, or anything in between. The book can be used when visiting other countries and want to witness the spectacular scenery of Wildflower Wonders. This book would make a great gift for that nature enthusiast."---Tim Schreckengost, Words about Birds blog

"Those who like nothing better than stopping to smell the flowers will feel their hearts skip a beat for naturalist Bob Gibbons' Wildflower Wonders: The 50 Best Wildflower Sites in the World (Princeton University Press, 978-0-691-15229-5). 'Where' and 'when' are the operable terms in this unusually satisfying guide doing double duty as a beautiful coffee table book. . . . Painterly, educational, and inspiring, Gibbons' photographs could convert anyone to his pursuit."---Julie Eakin, Foreword Reviews

"Whether you're a gardener, naturalist or traveler (armchair or actual) there's something appealing in this book. Gardeners will get inspiration from nature's bounty while travelers will appreciate tips on the best times to visit."---Craig Sailor, McClatchy Newspapers

About the Author

Bob Gibbons is a renowned photographer, naturalist, and tour leader. His books include Wild France and Collins Wild Guide: Insects.