This is the best book for the amateur rose enthusiast- and probably will be thoroughly appreciated by the expert as well. The intention is to strip rose culture of the complications, to emphasize practices essential to success -- and in this he succeeds. In discussing the soil, step-by-step processes of planting, of care, of pruning, fertilizing, mulching, protection from insects and disease, he gives one the feeling that any intelligent gardener can grow roses. Of the more than 5000 varieties, he lists a generous assortment, classifying them by color, class and use, and illustrating in full color some 32 examples. A practical- and beautiful- handbook.