Given its size, the book wisely concentrates on the most conspicuous and widespread species, and does not waste space covering plants already familiar in northern Europe. The main countries covered are Spain, Italy, portugal and southern France. Species limited to Greece and the Balkans are not included, nor are the rarer alpines.

The text is full and informative, and is printed on the page facing the photographs - no time-wasting flicking backwards and forwards. In the margin are line drawings of any distinctive feature that might help with identification.

There is a glossary, an index, and a useful note on the most important areas of interest to flower-lovers. I only have one criticism: the spine binding is not strong enough. But apart from that, this is a most useful and well-organised book, well worth taking on any expedition and equally giving much pleasure to look through at home.