Book Review by Henrik Æ. Pedersen in Orchid Research Newsletter (Kew Gardens)
"This is a cleverly thought-out book that provides an unprecedented overview of the floral biology and pollination adaptations of the orchids of Europe, based not only on information from the literature but also on original observations that are in some cases quite remarkable. A high degree of stylistic consistency across the generic accounts, both with regard to text and illustrations, adds to the overall impression of an unusually well-edited volume. Last, but not least, the comprehensive selection of macrophotos that are both of impressive technical and aesthetic quality elevates this book to the level of excellence."
" The Flower of the European Orchid simply sets a new standard for photographic illustration of orchid books."
"...I wholeheartedly recommend this magnificent book to anyone who has just the slightest interest in the orchids of Europe, or in the pollination biology of orchids in general."
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Book Review by Simon Tarrant in Journal of the Hardy Orchid Society (Great Britain)
"Arguably, this book provides the most comprehensive account since Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking “Onthe Various Contrivances by Which Orchids are Pollinated by Insects” and in the preface Richard Bateman describes it as“an unparalleled account of the floral structure and reproductive biology of the orchids of Europe and Asia Minor”.
"What sets this book apart, indeed its crowning glory, is the outstandingly superb photography, ranging from habitat shots to the use of microscopy to show incredible levels of detail".
"I am particularly impressed by the stunning pictures of pollinating insects with pollinia attached to their bodies as they move from flower to flower".
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Book Review by Matthias Svojtka in Orchideenkurier der Österreichischen Orchideengesellschaft (translated)
"Jean Claessens und Jacques Kleynen, two Dutch nature photographers and orchidologists submit with their new book, a milestone for the knowledge of floral biology and pollination of European orchids."
"With over 800 color photos, including full-page images plants, flower studies, macro images of the column and the flower-visiting insects, the book presents a never before shown completeness of floral biology of the European orchid species."
"Taking "The Flower of the European orchid. Form and function" in the hand, whether for scientific reading or admiring the wonderful pictures, one is reminded of the idealized image of science and knowledge of Alexander von Humboldt, who said that in addition to technical precision always the aesthetics of representation should be sought. Scientific data can sometimes be, and this is then a stroke of luck, not only right, but also beautiful, as the current volume of Jean Jacques Claessens and Kleynen impressively proves".
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Book Review by H. Kretzschmar in Berichte Heimische Orchideen (translated)
"The specific nature of the interaction between pollinators and plants is explained in detail. This interaction is captured in many detailed photos which reach a stunning super-macro range; even light-and electron micrographs are included. This is where the authors show an otherwise unseen mastery."
"It is difficult to single out particularly striking examples, simply because this book shows a perfect, continuous extremely high quality."
"In sum, this is an immensely readable book with a wealth of valuable information, wonderfully illustrated, a delight for every orchid enthusiast."
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article by Guus Urlings in De Limburger April 2011 (translated)
"Professor Richard Bateman, internationally renowned authority on orchids cites the book in his preface as a landmark, a standard work for anyone seriously interested in studying orchids."
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