Maples of the world

by D. M. van Gelderen

Acer holds a proud place among the largest and most important woody genera. Its significance in both ornamental and economic uses is matched by its taxonomic complexity. This book represents the fruit of almost two decades of work by its distinguished authors. In 1975, three years before Timber Press published his landmark Japanese Maples, the late J. D. Vertrees visited the authors - a nurseryman, a taxonomist/dendrologist, and an avid maple collector - in The Netherlands and suggested that they collaborate to produce a definitive work on the genus. The challenge was accepted, and the three, for a time calling themselves the Club of Acerologists, set to work. An early outline of the book optimistically called for completion and publication within five years!. As the initial work began, it became clear that a massive research effort was required; this took far longer than the authors had anticipated. A full nineteen years after its initial conception the much-anticipated book is appear