From the dawn of time the apple has played an important role in the making of history: Adam and Eve, the battle of Troy, religious wars have started over apples and the scientific theory of gravity was conceived by watching an apple fall from a tree. This fully revised edition of the most definitive work on the subject covers the apple's origins in Kazakhstan, the history of its spread across Europe and beyond, its uses both culinary, medically and decoratively through the ages to the present day and the myriad of varieties and cultivars now available. Beautifully illustrated by RHS Gold Medal winning botanical artist, Elizabeth Dowle and written by two renowned authorities on the subject, Joan Morgan and Alison Richards, this is a vital work for every pomologist to own. The directory at the rear of the book, based on the National Collection at Brogdale, lists more than 2000 varieties, giving a summary of each variety's (cultivar's) characteristics and history. Cultivation details are also included, clearly explaining the different techniques and forms available to both the amateur and professional grower. Not just for horticulturalists, this is a fascinating history of a fruit and how it has become an international commodity. - Lucy Watson

The fruit of paradise; for pleasure, meate and medicine; for God and country; apples for the few; apples for the many; the cider story. Directory of apple varieties. Appendices: cooking with apples; growing apples; further information.