August 27, 2021
In the world of apples, beauty is the enemy of taste. The obsessive search for the best-looking apples to sell, has led to the dismissal of scores of infinitely better-tasting--but much less pretty--varieties. Burford intends to change that with this paean to the glories of the Malus domestica. After serving up a concise history of the fruit, Burford (, whose family has been growing apples since 1715) provides detailed information and color photographs for almost 200 different varieties of apples, from Bentley to Fallawater. He also offers guidance on planting and growing apple trees and ways to preserve the fruit (including making cider and drying apples). Some of this practical information seems geared for large-scale apple-growing operations--the applesauce recipe yields 25 gallons--rather than home gardeners. VERDICT If other titles such as Rowan Jacobsen and Clare Barboza's Apples of Uncommon Character and Roger Yepsen's Apples prove hard to track down, this will be a valuable resource for readers wanting to learn more about the fascinating heritage of this most "American" of all fruits.--John Charles, formerly at Scottsdale P.L., AZ
Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
October 1, 2013
Orchardist, nurseryman, and apple expert Burford (Apples: A Catalog of International Varieties) here shares dozens of varieties of heirloom and modern apples to eat and/or grow, although he says that his book is aimed primarily at the consumer. In the first section, "Apple Varieties A to Z," each one-page entry includes a brief description of the apple; its other common names; its historical interest; its look, flavor, aroma, etc.; characteristics of the tree; disease resistance; ripening season; uses; and storage quality. Each apple is illustrated with a beautiful color photograph. Burford then offers an overview of planning and designing an orchard, including variety and rootstock selection, followed by cultural information. He then presents brief sections on pest and disease descriptions, harvesting, storing, and propagation by grafting. Next, Burford covers uses of apples, from cider to drying. He concludes with his recommendations for the best apple varieties for specific purposes or conditions. VERDICT A lovely, browsable work for apple enthusiasts. For the gardener not aiming to plant an orchard, Burford leaves out some basics; beginning apple growers will be better served by Alan Buckingham's Grow Fruit or Lewis Hill and Leonard Perry's The Fruit Gardener's Bible: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruits and Nuts in the Home Garden.--Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL
Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.