Book Review for the Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala by James Bateman has wonderful illustrations of many New World orchid species with fascinating descriptions of the plants and indigenous people of Mexico and Central America. The English environmental ethic (or lack thereof) in the mid-19th century seems shocking by today's standards. The gleeful discussion of over collecting of orchids and habitat destruction is enough to give one pause and reflect how far the West has come in 150 years. The original edition of the book is highly sought after by book collectors and was last sold by Sotherby's auction house for over $100,000 in 2002. Even the only reprinted edition of this book can sell for a thousand dollars. Orchid enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy this excellent volume and it's fine illustrations. Highly recommended.


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