This is without doubt the most comprehensive field guide to the orchids of Britain and Europe. Every one of the 216 species and 30 subspecies are described and illustrated with superb colour photographs. For each species there is a close up photograph of the flower head and a more distant view showing the whole plant. There are also nearly 200 line drawings which highlight particular identification features. The text describes each species, as well as giving detailed information on habitat, flowering season and distribution. There are distribution maps for some of the rarer species. Karl Peter Buttler is one of the foremost orchid experts in Europe. The book has been adapted for the English language by Paul Davies, a well-known natural history writer and photographer, who specializes in orchids and is author of Wild Orchids of Britain & Europe AUTHOR: Karl Peter Buttler is one of the foremost orchid experts in Europe. 562 colour plates 775ill.(578col.).