Farjon's (scientist/taxonomist, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) love of pine trees is apparent in this oversize (9x12.75") volume, particularly in his detailed, finely rendered drawings of the trees, their needles, branches, and cones. This second edition begins with an overview of pines in general: information on botanical characteristics, classification, phylogeny, and biogeography. For each pine species there is a full-page drawing, and a page of text containing concise but essential information on identification, distribution, and ecology. The volume ends with a glossary of technical terms, and index of botanical names of pines. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)