Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 An absolute necessity for anyone interested in plant identification. May 19, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Having used and often relied on a much older version of this classic I was almost reluctant to buy the updated book. Very often updates lose the appeal, qualities and attributes which made them...well, a classic in the first place, as opposed to just a good book. I was so pleased to find that this new print is fabulous. Slightly larger sized, (but still easy to fit into rucksac and jacket pockets) the quality of illustration is great and of course it has all the up to date reclassifications! I could say lots of things, but to make this a quick review (some people do go on!!), I would thoroughly recommend this to ANYONE interested in identifying plants, whether beginner, or more advanced! Like I said, a true classic. You won;t regret having this as a fab ID and reference book.
Karen
The widest-ranging and most portable of the good guides September 2, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you want a readily-portable guide, this is the one for you. It is more manageable and covers a wider range of species than the recently revised Wild Flower Key by the late, great, Francis Rose (who first came to my attention more than 20 years ago as the only person in the world reputed to have seen every species of wild plant in Britain). I suspect that Fitter (and his son) are now contenders and since this guide also includes grasses and many non-flowering plants (such as ferns) it is very good value.
Check, however, Clare O'Reilly's warnings about accuracy in guides by Blamey and Fitter published in 2003 (this and one discussed below), which you will find under reviews of Francis Rose's Wild Flower Key (of which O'Reilly is the updating author!).
An alternative choice for home (rather than in the field) is Cassell's guide to Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe, also published by Fitter and Blamey in 2003. It is unbeatable value when purchased with Cassell's parallel and thoroughly enjoyable guide to Trees. On the downside, some of the illustrations lack the precision needed for a perfect ID guide.
If I had to choose between Rose's revised Wild Flower Key and this A&C Black handbook, I'd choose Rose, buying additional books for grasses etc. If I had to choose just one book for the field, I'd choose this one. But I have both, and Cassell, and use all three.
The standard illustrated guide to the flora of Britain & Ireland June 16, 2006
14 out of 14 found this review helpful
Not quite pocket-sized, but no bigger than most modern field guides, this might well be the standard illustrated guide for amateurs to the British and Irish flowering plant flora. The guide covers all naturally occurring species plus a large number of naturalised plants. As pointed out below, botanical experience will make the use of the book easier, since there is no general key allowing the user to identify families. However, I wonder how many beginners would really be prepared to spend the time passing each new plant through such a key. For those who can roughly identify a new plant to family and beyond, handy keys ARE provided for the larger groups.
The format is very similar to the "Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe" by the same authors, published by Collins. However, all the illustrations are new and improved. The previous guide's plates were often blurred or otherwise lacking in definition, a problem that does not occur here. A further improvement is the provision of maps that are small enough not to include for the majority of species yet large enough to allow for a fair amount of detail.
The section on grasses is new and particularly useful, truly enabling the user to identify all the flowering plants in the region.
The only other competitor would be Rose's "Wildflower Key" which I have in a 1981 edition, having not seen the current 2006 issue. All in all, the present guide is superior.
 Definitley not for beginners May 10, 2006
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
I have to agree with Peter White. russvarley is right in stating that the whole book is a key. However, unless you know the plant you're looking at is, say, in the carrot family, or the pea family, etc. there is absolutely no way a beginner can find a particular plant.
The book, however, is superbly produced and jam-packed with wonderful illustrations and information. An excellent book for the more experienced but not for the beginner. Beginners should consider Francis Rose's book instead.
Stunningly illustrated February 24, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is a must have addition to anyone interested in botany. Marjorie Blamey's illustrations are second to none.
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