Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. A Handbook on the Origin and Meaning of the Botanical Names of some Cultivated Plants. 1992. (Reprint 1994). 363 p. gr8vo. Cloth.

Second hand copy in good condition.-In this book the author gives the meaning and origin of some 6000botanical names, selecting those most likely to be encountered bygardeners and horticulturists. No other single source provides so muchetymological information for the gardener, much of it out of the way, all of it enlightened by a wealth of detail, the result of years ofscholarship and original research by the author. Also listed are 3000of the most widely accepted vernacular names, cross-indexed to theircorrect botanical names, and invaluable reference for gardeners,writers and historians. Both the dictionary sections are prefaced bylearned and entertaining introductions. Plant classification andbinomial nomenclature are explained, and there are notes on the structure and pronunciation of botanical Latin. Extensive bibliographiesdirect the reader to recommended sources for further enquiry.