Cyclamen: In Art, Science and the Garden: Science, cultivation, art and culture

Yes it is published now (July 2013). This is a very high quality publication and captures the latest understanding from Brian Mathew and the wide community of enthusiasts that have been brought together through the Cyclamen Society. This is very much a book for the dedicated enthusiast. However, it is so attractively presented that I hope it will be bought by many more general gardeners who would like to raise their understanding beyond the three we see in garden centres: C. persicum for tubs and conservatory; C. hederifolium for autumn flowers; and C. coum for early spring flowers. Not all of the 23 species are hardy in the UK, but many are and some of the less hardy gems such as C. libanoticum will "do" in gardens if given a little bit of protection by planting them close to a wall. So there is plenty of scope for extending the flowering period of Cyclamen around the garden, as well as the range of leaf forms - a feature that is often as attractive, and longer lasting, than the flowers themselves.Not surprisingly the "Science and Cultivation" parts of the book dominate. There has been a steady evolution of understanding of the genus over the last thirty years or so through an exemplary collaboration of professional and amateur enthusiasts ("Citizen Science" at its best). The book captures a very comprehensive overview of current understanding, although for sure there is more to explore.The "Art and Culture" parts of the book add depth and are a reminder of how much this genus has been absorbed into our civilisation over the last 500 years or so. You will even find a recipe for stuffed Cyclamen leaves (although leave the tubers _well_ alone!).This is really a fitting tribute to a wonderful genus, as well as the love and dedication that it has inspired in an extensive team of enthusiasts. I would have quite liked to have seen distribution maps, not just text descriptions (although this would have made an already big book even bigger). Having the wonderful colour plates often resized over their originals was also a little confusing - keeping to the original size would have left more white space on some pages but I would have been happier to see consistent scaling. But these are just personal thoughts really. A stunning book.

This book has not yet been published - buyer beware! I am sure it will be fine when it does appear, but that will not be until March 2013