There are few more cheerful sights than spring-flowering crocuses heralding another season of hope and the pleasures of springtime colour in our gardens. Gardeners who are devotees of bulbs will have expectations of drifts of daffodils and unsurpassed tulips brightening even the darkest day. These three species plus the fragrant hyacinth make up what Dr Hessayon refers to as the big four that dominate the bulb scene. We are reminded that there is so much more, the learned Hessayon gives us the full story of the garden bulb--a fascinating story, would you believe it, from the dawn of civilisation up to your own garden? The main purpose of this book is to reveal just how many different bulbs are available apart from the big four, plants which are a joy to discover and which will brighten every season of the year. As with all the Expert titles this book is an easy read. It tells you in a most straightforward manner what to buy and where to buy it and then reveals, in an illustrated A to Z guide, hundreds of different species--a selection that is bound to intrigue and challenge you. The largest section of the book is the provision of expert knowledge on a vast range of available plants, old favourites and new varieties. For those who only buy plants with pronounceable names, there is an idiot-proof pronouncing dictionary so that, within minutes, names from ACHIMENES to ZEPHYRANTHES will roll off your tongue like that of a learned botanist. If that sounds too intellectually challenging, Chapter 3 provides a back-to-basics straightforward description of how to grow bulbs--for the absolute beginner there is even an illustration of a spade and a hole! A delightfully practical book packed full of interest and expert knowledge. --T W Falinska