Bamboo

The book’s perspective on bamboo is very wide-ranging, from its botany to its uses, history and cultural associations . . . What comes across is how widespread bamboo is and I am glad to see much discussion about the New World bamboos. Particularly exciting is the discussion of the vast range of contemporary technical uses we may know about bamboo socks, but there is much more, with many new applications linked to sustainability . . . Bamboo is the latest in a series exploring plant groups in a rounded way, concentrating on human interaction with each plant. The production values are high and the books are set to become a collector’s series. * <i>Gardens Illustrated</i> * This book is both a celebration and exploration into the impact this ancient plant has had on our world. From its early beginnings, to the diverse role bamboo has played in food, horticulture, navigation and architecture, the author takes us on a delightful journey through bamboos majestic history. Complementing this colourful work is an assortment of photographs and illustrations, leading us through a curiosity shop of facts and timelines, and it is from these we sense the passion the author has for her subject . . . This diverse, radiant work is entertaining and enjoyable. * <i> The Garden</i> (RHS) * Bamboo is not large, but it would still be a great coffee table book because it’s so beautiful. Almost every page has exquisite color photography and many of the pictures are full page. The selection of illustrations is amazingly varied and well chosen, from vintage photography to mouth-watering pictures of bamboo-shoot meals. The book is unique in many ways. It integrates horticultural and botanical writing with a broader account of the cultural and social impact of bamboo. The appealing design of the book goes beyond the cover and pictures the text is well written, providing plenty for everyone to learn, including many uncommon aspects of bamboo. There’s a fascinating section on the history of books about bamboo in English, beginning in London in 1868 . . . This incredibly useful information is not presented in any other book. * <i>West Hawaii Today</i> *