Growing fruit trees Novel concepts and practices for successful care & management

France-based fruit tree specialists Lespinasse and Leterme have compiled an excellent collection of information on fruit and nut trees grown in the temperate climatic zone. Each of the book's 16 chapters stands alone much like a typical extension service production publication, but each offers more depth than common for that type of publication. Most emphasis is, as expected, given to those fruits most widely grown geographically and of greatest economic value worldwide, e.g., apple, cherry, grape, and peach. It is notable that the book also covers fruit trees such as fig, kiwi, and quince, which are rarely discussed except in the context of special local climatic adaptations. The presentations are focused and precise, and the material is clear for any student of tree fruit and nut production, even if previous experience with that particular crop is lacking. The photographs, figures, and tables are outstanding and facilitate understanding and clarify issues that would have required many additional words to achieve similar clarity. The appendixes, glossary, and references are valuable, although the references listed are limited in scope. Reading Growing Fruit Trees was a pleasure for the mind and a joy for the eyes--a delightful work. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All students, professionals, and general readers. G. S. Howell emeritus, Michigan State University