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kcvmoundshroud's review against another edition
4.0
This well-written natural history of the orchids of Britain was joyful and unique. The author’s passion for orchids was physically palpable on each page and his historical knowledge was impressive. While I do think the writing would have been enhanced by the author’s photography (since he mentions his camera on every page), this summer journey would make a wonderful gift for any orchid enthusiast.
orlaithma's review against another edition
5.0
I adore books on botanicals, and Orchid Summer by Jon Dunn most definitely did not disappoint.
I understand that this may not be a topic that appeals to everyone, but if you have any interest in botanicals, especially orchids, you need to pick up a copy of this book.
Jon's quest to see every orchid native to the British Isles in a single year is both educational and thoroughly captivating.
I'm in love with this subject even more than before, and if you know me at all you will know thats a lot!
I understand that this may not be a topic that appeals to everyone, but if you have any interest in botanicals, especially orchids, you need to pick up a copy of this book.
Jon's quest to see every orchid native to the British Isles in a single year is both educational and thoroughly captivating.
I'm in love with this subject even more than before, and if you know me at all you will know thats a lot!
rogue_runner's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this, and the accompanying website and pictures are stunning. I think at points he slightly glossed over the actual finding of the plants themselves, and occasionally I found myself surprised that he was already moving on. I enjoyed this a lot, and it was a similar vibe to 1000 shades of green (but slightly longer). I still super enjoyed it though!
nightresplendent's review against another edition
5.0
I adore books on botanicals, and Orchid Summer by Jon Dunn most definitely did not disappoint.
I understand that this may not be a topic that appeals to everyone, but if you have any interest in botanicals, especially orchids, you need to pick up a copy of this book.
Jon's quest to see every orchid native to the British Isles in a single year is both educational and thoroughly captivating.
I'm in love with this subject even more than before, and if you know me at all you will know thats a lot!
I understand that this may not be a topic that appeals to everyone, but if you have any interest in botanicals, especially orchids, you need to pick up a copy of this book.
Jon's quest to see every orchid native to the British Isles in a single year is both educational and thoroughly captivating.
I'm in love with this subject even more than before, and if you know me at all you will know thats a lot!
halfmanhalfbook's review against another edition
4.0
There are countless varieties of Orchid across the world and we are fortunate in the UK that we have around 50 odd species here. They vary from tiny example a few centimetres high to magnificent flower spikes that can reach much higher than the surrounding vegetation. They vary hugely, some are strongly perfumed, some smell rank and others are scented to attract a particular type of insect. The flowers are the thing that makes the orchid unique though, spectacular petals, mimicry of insects and gorgeous colours. They truly are a plant that are is rewarding to find and they seem to attract obsessive types (mostly men) who are utterly besotted with these beguiling plants. Jon Dunn is one of these who considers himself an addict.
To satisfy this addiction he decides to take himself on a mission to see all the species in the UK. This will take him from the Dorset coast, over the South Downs, up into Scotland and to the wild coastline of Western Ireland and back home to the very Northern Isles of our country. However, there is to this than the obsession of one man travelling backwards and forwards across the country in search of them. Some of these are really common, anyone with a small amount of research can find hundreds in the right location. Others though are much rarer, locations are often secret and frequently protected from those that seek to have these for themselves. As he ticks them off the list he tells the stories behind each one of these elusive and beautiful plants.
It is an enjoyable book about one slightly obsessed man's quest to see and photograph every species of orchid in the UK and a brief sojourn to New York. It reminded me of The Orchid Hunter where Leif Bersweden undertakes a very similar pilgrimage to find the same plants. One to read if you have a general interest in plants and botany, and has a stunning cover. If there is one thing that lets the book down is that there are no photos. Thankfully they are available on Jon's website here (http://www.orchid-summer.com/orchid-summer-orchid-gallery/), and they are a stunning set of images.
To satisfy this addiction he decides to take himself on a mission to see all the species in the UK. This will take him from the Dorset coast, over the South Downs, up into Scotland and to the wild coastline of Western Ireland and back home to the very Northern Isles of our country. However, there is to this than the obsession of one man travelling backwards and forwards across the country in search of them. Some of these are really common, anyone with a small amount of research can find hundreds in the right location. Others though are much rarer, locations are often secret and frequently protected from those that seek to have these for themselves. As he ticks them off the list he tells the stories behind each one of these elusive and beautiful plants.
It is an enjoyable book about one slightly obsessed man's quest to see and photograph every species of orchid in the UK and a brief sojourn to New York. It reminded me of The Orchid Hunter where Leif Bersweden undertakes a very similar pilgrimage to find the same plants. One to read if you have a general interest in plants and botany, and has a stunning cover. If there is one thing that lets the book down is that there are no photos. Thankfully they are available on Jon's website here (http://www.orchid-summer.com/orchid-summer-orchid-gallery/), and they are a stunning set of images.
halfmanhalfbook's review against another edition
4.0
There are countless varieties of Orchid across the world and we are fortunate in the UK that we have around 50 odd species here. They vary from tiny example a few centimetres high to magnificent flower spikes that can reach much higher than the surrounding vegetation. They vary hugely, some are strongly perfumed, some smell rank and others are scented to attract a particular type of insect. The flowers are the thing that makes the orchid unique though, spectacular petals, mimicry of insects and gorgeous colours. They truly are a plant that are is rewarding to find and they seem to attract obsessive types (mostly men) who are utterly besotted with these beguiling plants. Jon Dunn is one of these who considers himself an addict.
To satisfy this addiction he decides to take himself on a mission to see all the species in the UK. This will take him from the Dorset coast, over the South Downs, up into Scotland and to the wild coastline of Western Ireland and back home to the very Northern Isles of our country. However, there is to this than the obsession of one man travelling backwards and forwards across the country in search of them. Some of these are really common, anyone with a small amount of research can find hundreds in the right location. Others though are much rarer, locations are often secret and frequently protected from those that seek to have these for themselves. As he ticks them off the list he tells the stories behind each one of these elusive and beautiful plants.
It is an enjoyable book about one slightly obsessed man's quest to see and photograph every species of orchid in the UK and a brief sojourn to New York. It reminded me of The Orchid Hunter where Leif Bersweden undertakes a very similar pilgrimage to find the same plants. One to read if you have a general interest in plants and botany, and has a stunning cover. If there is one thing that lets the book down is that there are no photos. Thankfully they are available on Jon's website here (http://www.orchid-summer.com/orchid-summer-orchid-gallery/), and they are a stunning set of images.
To satisfy this addiction he decides to take himself on a mission to see all the species in the UK. This will take him from the Dorset coast, over the South Downs, up into Scotland and to the wild coastline of Western Ireland and back home to the very Northern Isles of our country. However, there is to this than the obsession of one man travelling backwards and forwards across the country in search of them. Some of these are really common, anyone with a small amount of research can find hundreds in the right location. Others though are much rarer, locations are often secret and frequently protected from those that seek to have these for themselves. As he ticks them off the list he tells the stories behind each one of these elusive and beautiful plants.
It is an enjoyable book about one slightly obsessed man's quest to see and photograph every species of orchid in the UK and a brief sojourn to New York. It reminded me of The Orchid Hunter where Leif Bersweden undertakes a very similar pilgrimage to find the same plants. One to read if you have a general interest in plants and botany, and has a stunning cover. If there is one thing that lets the book down is that there are no photos. Thankfully they are available on Jon's website here (http://www.orchid-summer.com/orchid-summer-orchid-gallery/), and they are a stunning set of images.
nitroglycerin's review against another edition
4.0
I always find it harder to talk about non-fiction. Mostly because I can find any subject interesting if it’s teaching me new things in a way that isn’t just a list of facts.
The book chronicles the authors mission to see all of the native orchids to the British isles. In truth, I didn’t even know there were orchids native to Britain, assuming they were more tropical, or found in Marks and Spencer’s plant section. I enjoyed the weaving of the history of specific species in with the travels and encounters with them. It’s a shame the book doesn’t have the photos in them, however you can view them on his website, which I did, along side reading them. It helped give the descriptions context for me. I’d recommend it if you think it’s your thing.
The book chronicles the authors mission to see all of the native orchids to the British isles. In truth, I didn’t even know there were orchids native to Britain, assuming they were more tropical, or found in Marks and Spencer’s plant section. I enjoyed the weaving of the history of specific species in with the travels and encounters with them. It’s a shame the book doesn’t have the photos in them, however you can view them on his website, which I did, along side reading them. It helped give the descriptions context for me. I’d recommend it if you think it’s your thing.