This is the cover of a new Monograph in the Kew Botanical Monograph Series by Dr. Chris Grey-Wilson. V.M.H.

I should say at once it is very useful with a huge amount of information at all levels. It is however a taxonomist's volume and Dr. Grey-Wilson was a Kew trained taxonomist. It has quite superlative photographs, all in brilliant colour - save a few historic pictures. Each species has a long account - well illustrated - with much very thorough taxonomic information. There is a short chapter on cultivation that is a synthesis of  most of what is known. It is a large format book approx. 12 inches x 10 inches of exactly 400 pages. As one might expect there is a very comprehensive index and full references. Many of the photographs are by the brilliant field taxonomist and photographer Toshio Yoshida  who has not only photographed so many plants in remote and difficult of access places but has also described a number of new species of Meconopsis starting his explorations in 1984.  He talked memorably to the Meconopsis Group in Edinburgh in 2010. 

Many others contributed to the wonderful images including David and Margaret Thorne, Harry Jans, Martin Walsh, Tim Lever and others. I should add that this book has well researched information on cultivation. Proof reading is pretty  faultless. It is certain that real experts who travel in the Himalayas will find things that they disagree with but that is inevitable. Finally who is this book for? The answer to that has to be real enthusiasts who are already familiar with the basic characteristics or new comers who wish to learn. 

I NOW INTEND TO GO THROUGH THE AVAILABLE AND EASILY CULTIVATED SPECIES AND CULTIVARS ON THIS WEBSITE OVER THIS COMING WINTER - ONE WEEK ONE SPECIES. THIS IS  SPECIFICALLY FOR PEOPLE WHO WISH TO START GROWING THESE PLANTS ESPECIALLY AS THERE ARE SO MANY WONDERFUL BLUES - WHICH IS A LESS COMMON COLOUR IN PLANTS.