IRISES by Harry Randall

Batsford  1969   original price 45 shillings - our copy 25p   175 pages   hardback
This one is included as an example of the many books written a while ago by specialists well known in their day  which include much that remains engrossing & helpful as well as being of historical interest.

IRISES by James Parry

The National Trust 2004   £9-99    96 pages   hardback
We like this book very much.
By taking cleverly selected individual varieties of Iris - all to be found in a National Trust property, it tells the story of the evolution of the Bearded Iris and the personalities & aspirations of the great growers.
The photos are fine & any fears that it would have too much of a "National Trust flavour" proved unfounded.
 You can buy Irises (Gardens by Design S.) at Amazon

A GUIDE TO SPECIES IRISES : THEIR IDENTIFICATION & CULTURE

Edited by the Species Group of the B 

Cambridge University Press       1997   £80    371 pages   hardback
The definitive book on species Irises.
Comprehensive, scholarly - a work for reference.
Good line drawings. 
You can buy A Guide to Species Irises at Amazon

THE JAPANESE IRIS by Currier McEwen

University Press of New England for the Society for Japanese Irises 1990   £23   153 pages   hardback
This one really is for the specialist in Japanese Irises.
Though clearly organised & written, the depth of coverage is greater than many readers will be looking for.
Lovely drawings & photographs.
You can buy The Japanese Iris at Amazon

THE SIBERIAN IRIS by Currier McEwen

Timber Press   1996    £29-99    206 pages   hardback
The author was a towering figure in the history of Iris growing & breeding - especially Siberian & Japanese (see below).
This book conveys his knowledge & warm personality.
It is for a reader with a spcialist interest in Siberians and / or the botany of Irises.
We return to it often. 
You can buy The Siberian Iris at Amazon

IRIS THE CLASSIC BEARDED VARIETIES by Claire Austin photography Clay Perry

Quadrille 2001   £12-99   104 pages    hardback
Stunning photographs by Clay Perry  - not the conventional botanical style but emphasising the extreme beauty & range of the bearded Iris flowers.
Supported by explanatory text by Claire Austin with recommendations of particular varieties.
A feast for the eyes & the soul.
 You can buy Iris: The Classic Bearded Varieties at Amazon

THE GARDENER'S IRIS BOOK by William Shear

Taunton Press 1998    £12-50   170 pages   hardback
Very enjoyable & useful book.
Lovely pictures, thorough coverage & a "telling you how to do it" approach
A good one if you like a personal style.
You can buy The Gardener's Iris Book at Amazon

THE GARDENERS GUIDE TO GROWING IRISES by Geoff Stebbings

David & Charles + Timber Press 2001   £12-99    160 pages   paperback
We really like this book.
It offers a good middle ground between the excellent books which are offered for beginners or near-beginners with Irises, & the specialist books.
Lots of superb illustrations & wide coverage of material.
 You can buy The Gardener's Guide to Growing Irises at Amazon

IRISES by Sidney Linnegar & Jennifer Hewitt

RHS Wisley Handbook     2003    £7-99   96 pages   paperback
Clear, well organised authoritative text.  Good photographs.
You can buy Irises at Amazon.co.uk

GROWING IRISES by GE Cassidy & S Linnegar

Timber Press    price £8-95   160 pages   paperback   (mine is 1987 edition)
This book includes planting schemes and recommendations of named varieties.
It is very thorough & has nice drawings & 8 pages of colour photos.
You can buy Growing Irises at Amazon.co.uk

IRISES : A PRACTICAL GARDENING GUIDE by Karen Glasgow

Published by Batsford 1997   price £17-99   104 pages   paperback
Good coverage, more depth than the most basic books.
Clearly written with many lovely photographs.
Highly recommended for more than a beginners book.

You can buy Irises: a Practical Gardening Guide at Amazon

IRISES by Jennifer Hewitt

published by the Hardy Plant Society  2003   cost about £3    64 pages   paperback
Good coverage, well organised, very clear.
No photos, but line drawings.
Amazingly good value from one of our leading Iris growers & experts.