Carl L. Withner, The Cattleyas and their relatives – Vol. II: the Laelias, Ed. Timber Press, 1990

T

his book is the second in a landmark series of six books covering the genera of the complex Cattleya alliance. The laelias are far less known than the cattleyas considered in the first volume, and bringing order to the genus involved considerable research in old or obscure sources.

Many laelias have been described only in the last decade, and some are just now finding their way into cultivation in their native Brazil. They have been frequently confused and misidentified in orchid collections.

Dr. Withner‘s work brings both order and insight to the genus. Following the same format as in the first volume, the author presents the 59 species he presently recognizes, discussing their history, characteristics, and natural varieties and hybrids. Along the way he proposes solutions to problems of classification and resolves confusions in nomenclature.

Useful both as a botanical and a horticultural reference, this is the most complete and up-to-date work on the subject. Writing in the American Orchid Society Bulletin, Rebecca Northen said of the first volume: “This is a book for all time. It and the five volumes to follow will form a grand addition to orchid libraries… the source of information for years to come”.

Prima Edizione del 1990, a copertina rigida in tela rosa, con titoli in oro al dorso; dotata di sovracoperta lucida fotografica a colori; rilegata a filo; stampata su carta semi-lucida di buona qualità e con ampie marginature al testo; ricca di fotografie a colori; testo in lingua inglese.

Sul mercato specializzato internazionale, ha raggiunto quotazioni superiori agli €130.

Come Nuovo [il volume non mostra danni strutturali, strappi, segni, mancanze o usure gravi che vadano evidenziate; legatura consistente e robusta; copertine rigide pressoché intatte; sovracoperta in ottimo stato, con minimi segni di vissuto ai margini e leggere opacità da sfregamento ai piatti; coste ancora luminose]