As someone who recently started planting an orchard, this book has been my go-to guide for discovering unique heirloom varieties. The detailed descriptions helped me choose apples I'd never even heard of before, like the 'Ashmead's Kernel'—now a standout in my garden.

The watercolor illustrations are stunning and add a charming touch, making it feel more like a curated art book than just a reference guide. I found myself flipping through it just to admire the artwork, even when I wasn’t researching.

While the first half dives deep into apple history and cultivation (fascinating stuff!), I did wish the directory section had more detail on lesser-known varieties. Some of my favorite obscure apples were missing entirely, which was a letdown.

One thing that surprised me: the book doesn’t focus much on practical growing tips like pollination partners or disease resistance. It’s more of a historical deep dive, so if you’re looking for hands-on advice, you might need to supplement with another resource.

Still, for apple lovers or anyone who appreciates beautifully designed books, this is a must-have. It’s not just informative—it’s a conversation piece. My copy sits proudly on my coffee table, and guests always pick it up to flip through. Worth every penny for the sheer joy it brings!