Customer Reviews

Conifers of California

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I've seen many, many dozens of tree books, and this, by far is the best I've seen for a particular region- for California is so large and diverse that this is truly a regional book. California has more species of coniferous trees than any comparable area in North America- most likely in the world! The eighteen species of pine and all 7 of the western true firs give some idea of the extensive conifer flora. The arrangement follows that of most tree books: an adequate introduction to get one started - followed by text on each of the 52 species. There is a beautiful painting for each tree - very detailed and accurate. For each species there's a detailed range map and ample color photos to accompany the exacting and quite complete text. Lanner includes interesting details of uses, taxonomy and ecology to augment the botanical descriptions. California conifers include the world's tallest tree(redwood), it's most massive(giant sequoia) and ceraintly the oldest tree(Great Basin bristlecone pine) - these and 49 others are excellently presented - a feast for tree enthusiasts from California and the rest of the world. Both amatuers and experts will find this book both very enjoyable and eminently useful. And at this price, believe me, its a bargain.

Being a biologist, reference books are a crucial tool for my trade. Until now, I had to refer to several books for information about California's conifers...no longer! This book is well (and interestingly) written, the photos and paintings are superb, and the range maps are a valuable asset. Thank-you Mr. Lanner. This will be a book I buy for my friends!

An exceptionally creative and interesting book on California conifers. The prose is extraordinary as are the voluminous number of images, all in color. Inclusion of a Griffin and Critchfield distribution map for each species is a vital part of the book and singularly honors these scholarly authors. The objective coverage of the various species, with candid personal insight, makes the book particularly delightful to read. An ideal gift for a friend.

Well written, beautiful pictures and artwork and informative; that sums it up. My brother, who is accustom to seeing much more academic books on my desk, commented that it did not look "too technical". For technical, I recommend Dr.Grossnickle's excellent "Ecophysiology of Northern Spruce Species: The Performance of Planted Seedlings," but for a good education on the distribution and range of California's conifers then I recommend this book heartily.

This is a great reference book for anyone wanting more information about confiers than what you basic field guild provides. This book helps sort out California's hard-to-id confers with it's beautiful watercolors and photographs. The range maps are very helpful and make it easy to plan a trip to see some of California's amazing trees.

Generously illustrated with photos, color drawings and range maps; Lanner writes clearly, authoritatively and with affection for his subject. Still, with so many conifer species you'll want/need a field guide, with quick keys to the families and their characteristics (Field Guide to Trees of North America, ISBN-10: 1402738757) to help sort out trees you find in the field--which, especially in urban areas, may not be natives. Conifers of California will enable you to fully appreciate conifers you identify with your field guide.

I love this book! Everything was beautiful from cover to cover on glossy paper. Each species of conifers (including pines, redwoods, cypresses, and firs) has a fantastic botanical illustration, photographs, and a map of range. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a love for trees and especially a must have if you live in California!

For me, the conifers are the trees that really make a difference. Each one is such a unique and majestic statement on the landscape.

Ronald Lanner's book is a fine natural history book full of artistic drawings, photographs, and a key to help you identify these beautiful trees. It belongs on any naturalists bookshelf.

Conifers grow old, big and tall in California. What better book for discovering the coniferous bounty that the state has to offer. Second only behind Mexico in native conifer species, the conifer elevates the landscape and become an indelible symbolic reflection of all that is natural in California, from the Sierra rich in yellow, sugar and Jefferey Pine to the isolated groves of heavy sequoia, magnificent in their collosal staure. High in the White Mountains of Eastern California, living at seemingly impossible heights the bristlecone pine lives long and prosperous in stauesque poses in an inhospitable environment. The redwood defines the Northern coast, living lavishly in mist shrouded groves. The mighty Tahoe National Forest displays a rich blanket of fine firs as far as the eye can see...

I got this book because I needed information on the Bristlecones of the White Mountains. What I expected was a helpful but boring treatise on trees. Much to my surprise, "Conifers of California" turned out to be a fascinating read as well as a beautiful book. There is no doubt that the author, Robert M. Lanner, has given a lot of thought to the layout, the photographs, the text, and that he truly loves the subject he writes about. The anecdotes are interesting, varied in scope, and amusing. Not only do you learn a lot from it but this is also the kind of book that you can pick up after a long day at work that will help you feel refreshed and rested!