This book is the fruit of Marjorie Blamey's lifelong absorption with wild flowers and their accurate illustration. Covering all species, both native and introduced, widespread or local, north of the Alps and the Mediterranean region, except for grasses, sedges, rushes and horsetails, CASSELL'S WILD FLOWERS OF BRITAIN AND NORTHERN EUROPE is the most complete and detailed colour-illustrated guide yet for any comparable area of the globe. Majorie Blamey's flower paintings appear on the right-hand pages of the book and are minutely accurate and precise with many small details. Illustrated on the book's left-hand pages are details of flower, leaf, stem, fruit or seed, and variations in colour or form. These are keyed by numbers to the text, where asterisks indicate fuller portraits on the facing page. The descriptive text, by Christopher Grey-Wilson, perfectly complements the illustrations, and provides clear details of the size, habitat and distribution of the flowers.

The close-up photographs allow you to examine each plant in detail - so you will know your English from your Spanish bluebell - and because it is done by colour instead of name, it is much easier to navigate. Full of fascinating information, including where and when you will find the flowers, their characteristics, and anecdotes on their historical background with their medicinal and culinary uses. You don't even need to go out into the field to enjoy these beautiful and sometimes elusive flowers.

This field guide will enable the identification of a range of invasive plants and animals now found in Britain. The impact of invasive organisms is second only to habitat loss as a threat to biodiversity and yet, despite increasing ecological awareness, people remain largely unaware of these plants and animals and their potentially devastating impact. Although most biological introductions fail, many prove successful and these can prove disastrous for native fauna and flora. Though these species are of particular concern to conservationists there has previously been no unified guide devoted to their recognition. This book will act both as an ID guide, appealing to the amateur naturalist, and as an important tool for ecologists and land managers attempting to tackle the problem posed by invasive species.

Trees are of enduring interest to naturalists and gardeners alike, and this extraordinary book is one of the most magnificent volumes ever published on the subject. Every European species is covered within its 800+ pages as well as many introduced species from all over the world. In addition to an authoritative text, every species is illustrated with stunning artwork that depicts leaves, flowers, fruits and bark as well as images of the whole tree, both in leaf and bare in the case of deciduous trees. This fabulous volume has been updated and reprinted at a highly competitive price, and remains the most comprehensive work on European trees.

Botanical Illustration is an introduction to the marrying of art and science in the aesthetic and accurate portrayal of plant material. This book builds on the work of illustrators of the past, ranging from Elizabeth Blackwell, whose drawings helped to release her husband from debtors' prison, through to the exceptional scientific drawings of Beatrix Potter. It deals with the practical art and the related botany of the subject. Introduction to basic botany; preparation of plant material for drawing; use of pencil, watercolour, coloured pencil and pen and ink; suggested topics for further study; correcting mistakes and finishing touches. Invaluable for beginners and skilled artists alike, and an excellent reference book for teachers. Superbly illustrated with 216 colour illustrations.Valerie Oxley is a freelance tutor who has inspired students worldwide with her enthusiasm for natural history and plant illustration.