Apologies if your favourite is left out - these are the books we have to hand and turn to often for information and pleasure. It follows that the factual information given on prices, edition dates and so on is certainly not up to date.
We start with introductory books, move on to more advanced and specialist books and finish with some that are written from particular angles.
BOOKS ETC FROM THE BRITISH IRIS SOCIETY
Here we include a few more of the products of the British Iris Society - THE IRIS YEAR BOOK published annually,
a high quality paperback booklet with the year's events & news in the Iris world.
A much respected source book.Free copy annually with membership of The British Iris Society
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.
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.
Published by Batsford 1997 price £17-99 104 pages paperback