The Orchid-Grower's Manual, containing Descriptions of upwards of Nine Hundred and Thirty Orchidaceous Plants; Together with their Times of Flowering and Most Approved Methods of Treatment, Practical Instructions, etc

8vo [20 x 13 cm]; xi, 336, [xxii, ads with illus, including ads for books] pp, colored folding frontis of orchid (Odontoglossom vexillarium), numerous plates including folding, other illustrations (4 with added amateur color), index. original pictorial gilt cloth, gilt title lettering & decoration on spine, light wear at edges, foot of spine with small wear and repair, frontis with old tape repair, a very good copy. A picture of this book is available upon request by email. This work went through seven editions from 1852 to 1894, each giving the state of the art of orchid growing at the time and were all very influential and popular. This fifth edition added many species and descriptions that were introduced since the first edition of 1852, and many additional pages. According to Reinikka, through Williams' work "greater understanding of orchid culture was provided and orchids began to enjoy a new popularity as subjects for the average gardener". Glikbarg 31: 'Williams provided the stimulus that made orchid growing possible for the average gardener'. Each edition is sought by orchid book collectors. Horticultural Society of New York 235. Catalogue of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society 341. Duveen (303 April 1973, American Orchid Society): 'the author's renown today rests on this work.'

Edizione: fifth edition, enlarged and revised.