150 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No. 1 150 Book Reviews of the Northeastern Naturalist, Issue 14/1, 2007 Disturbing the Solar System: Impacts, Close Encounters, and Coming Attractions. Alan E. Rubin. 2002. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 361 pp. $19.95, softcover. ISBN 0691074747. This collection of 19 essays includes eight revised articles Rubin wrote of the Griffith Observer. Divided into four parts, this book begins with an overview of the solar system, moves on to describe the earth and moon, including the origin of the moon and ice ages on earth. Small bodies such as asteroids and meteoroids are examined, including the results of their collisions, such as rings, craters and other impacts. The section on life beond earth presents a discussion of the search for life on Mars , panspermia, and the paucity of aliens, along with an essay on the human response to first contact. Rubin provides a fascinating and at times amusing look at our cosmic neighborhood. Written for a general audience, the book includes a glossary, list of further reading by chapter and an index. C.R. Biogeography, Third Edition. Mark V. Lomolino, Brett R. Riddle, and James H. Brown. 2006. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, MA. 845 pp. $92.95, hardcover. ISBN 0878930620. The third edition of this text is a comprehensive and integrative account of the entire field of biogeography. The text has been restructured and updated with over 1000 new publications. It is comprised of six units, beginning with an introduction to the history and science of biogeography, and continuing with units on basic patterns of biogeography, fundamental processes, evolutionary history, ecological biogeography, and finishing with conservation issues. This is a thorough treatment of a large and diverse area of study, and previous editions are well established as excellent primary texts for courses on this subject. Well illustrated throughout, and with a glossary and extensive bibliography. S.E. Aldo Leopold: A Fierce Green Fire. Marybeth Lorbiecki. 2005. Falcon, Guilford, CT. 212 pp. $14.95, softcover. ISBN 0762736631. This biography relates the life of one of this country’s most influential twentieth century conservationists. It provides background and insight into how the thoughts and philosophy of Aldo Leopold developed throughout his lifetime. By advocating for the country’s first wilderness area, Leopold gave purpose and value to “unimproved” land. He also initiated the study of wildlife management and ecology. He authored the classics A Sand County Almanac and Round River. Numerous photographs give the reader a glimpse of this outstanding man’s life. This very readable book will be appreciated by everyone who may have been influenced by Leopold, whether they know it or not. C.R. Principles of Conservation Biology, Third Edition. Martha J. Groom, Gary K. Meffe, C. Ronald Carroll, and other Contributors. 2006. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, MA. 793 pp. $92.95, hardcover. ISBN 0878935185. Conservation biology has emerged as a major field of scientific study and a framework for wildlife and wildland management during the past three decades. The third edition of this widely used textbook has been extensively revised to include new findings and theories. It also includes more coverage of marine conservation issues than the past editions, and a more global perspective, although the emphasis still is on conservation issues in the US. This is a solid textbook for an introductory college-level course on this subject. It begins by providing a grounding in fundamental concepts, including an exploration of social and economic factors that affect our attitudes towards biodiversity. The rest of the text then focuses on mechanisms for conserving biodiversity. A large number of contributors to this text ensure that a diversity of viewpoints is represented. S.E. 2007 Book Reviews 151 Squirrels: The Animal Answer Guide. Richard W. Thorington, Jr. and Katie Ferrel. 2006. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 183 pp. $24.95, softcover. ISBN 0801884039. This is an accessible account of the large and diverse squirrel family. Written in an engaging and non-technical style, the authors provide answers to successive questions ranging from why so many squirrels seem to get hit by cars, to how they survive in the desert, to how fast they grow. In answering these and other questions, the authors take the reader on a worldwide tour of the biology, ecology, and behavior of squirrels. The book is well illustrated with both color and black and white photos, and includes a listing of all of the known species, as well as a squirrel bibliography. With some squirrel poems thrown in for good measure, this book will appeal to the general public and scientists alike. S.E. American Curiosity: Cultures of Natural History in the Colonial British Atlantic World. Susan Scott Parrish. 2006. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill NC, 344 pp. $22.50, softcover, ISBN 0807856789. An academic work dealing with the exchange of scientific and natural-history information between Britain and its North American colonies from the late 16th through the 18th centuries. Attempts to show how colonial people uniquely constructed their understanding of the North American natural world. Draws heavily on correspondence and uses many direct quotes from that period of time. Not for the casual reader, but fills an important niche for the academic. S.O’M. The Audubon Society Guide to Attracting Birds, 2nd Edition. Stephen W. Kress. 2006. Cornell University Press, Ithaca NY 466 pp. $24.95, softcover. ISBN 0801488641. A very thorough guide to landscaping, small-scale forestry management, and plant-species choices for attracting birds. Provides guidance for several general landscape types (forest, shrub land, grassland) and lists preferred native plantings for gardening and planting by geographic region. The plant lists are useful, but almost too broad. Includes many plans for species-specific nesting boxes, inexpensive feeders, various freshwater stations, and squirrel-proof feeders. Especially practical advice on bird food preferences. Appendices list new webbased resources as well as traditional references and plant sources. Packed with information, virtually guaranteed to inspire and motivate readers from novice to naturalist. Recommended for all with an interest in birds and improving wildlife habitat around their homes. S.O’M. This Grand Magnificent Place: The Wilderness Heritage of the White Mountains. Christopher Johnson. 2006. University of New Hampshire Press, Durham, NH. 313 pp. $25.95, hardcover. ISBN 139781584654612. This book tells the story of the changing relationship between humans and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, beginning with the Abenaki people in the 1600s, who regarded it as their homeland, and continuing through the following centuries of exploration, exploitation, and ultimately protection as a National Forest and Wilderness. The story of how the White Mountains became a cause of the early environmental movement is itself an important chapter in the larger history of the environmental movement in America. Filled with intriguing historical detail and vivid characters, this book is an informative and fascinating read. S.E. Letters From Eden: A Year at Home in the Woods. Julie Zickefoose. 2006. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. 224 pp. $26, hardcover. ISBN 139780618573080. With clear, humorous prose, keen observations, and charming paintings, the author takes us through a year of seasons in the lives of the birds, turtles, snakes, and other animals in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio. This book 152 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No. 1 is made to be enjoyed in a hammock on a lazy summer day, or sitting by a cottage window as the snow swirls outside. Her well-crafted essays on the natural world around her are profusely illustrated with line drawings and water color paintings, and both her writing and painting show the accomplishment of many years of practice. A delightful, enjoyable book, and a great gift. S.E. Handbook of Bird Biology: Second Edition. Sandy Podulka, Ronald W. Rohrbaugh, Jr., and Rick Bonney (Eds.). 2004. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. (In association with the Princeton University Press). $99.50, hardcover. ISBN 093802762X. This massive tome provides the framework for the highly acclaimed Cornell Lab of Ornithology Home Study Course in Bird Biology. Started in 1972, with the publication of the first edition, this self-paced distancelearning course evolved as the years passed and new scientific findings emerged. By 1998, it was evident that the course and the text needed extensive revisions, and the course was temporarily suspended and completely overhauled. The result is this second edition, which now clearly stands as a definitive reference on bird biology for professional ornithologists, students, and bird lovers everywhere. New chapters on identification, vocal communication, and conservation have been added, along with updates on all of the major topics covered in the first edition, including anatomy and physiology, ecology, and behavior. Written by 12 leading ornithologists, and accompanied by more than 1000 figures, including many photographs, this text and the home-study course it supports remains a popular and authoritative reference and teaching tool. S.E. All Things Reconsidered: My Birding Adventures. Roger Tory Peterson, (Bill Thompson III, Editor). 2006. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY 354 pp. $30, cloth. ISBN 0618758623. A delightful collection of Roger Tory Peterson’s writings on birds and birding. Collected “All Things Reconsidered” columns from Bird Watcher’s Digest, a magazine for which Peterson wrote for 12 years (from 1984 to 1996). Offers a unique perspective into the mind and attitudes of one of America’s greatest naturalists. Peterson excelled as a story teller, chronicling a wide variety of subjects including his travels for birding, individuals doing specific research, modern problems with pollution and endangered species, and painting birds as an artist. Editor treats Peterson with the greatest respect. Arranged chronologically, color photos and illustrations throughout. Highly recommended for birders, lovers of travel literature, and the general reader. S.O’M. The Grand Contraption: The World as Myth, Number, and Chance. David Park. 2005. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 331pp. $35, cloth. ISBN 0691121338. A most unusual book, looking at 4000 years of Western Civilization’s attempts to explain the universe and the workings of the world, particularly through numbers, measuring, and order. Tours through creation myths of Judeo- Christian tradition, ancient Greek philosophers and mathematicians, astronomy, astrology, Sir Isaac Newton, and countless other historical figures and ideas. Truly a history of science, especially physical science. The author is a physicist. Limited to the origins of classical western thought. Unique and lively reading, challenging. Especially recommended for those who love numbers. S.O’M. Stream Ecology: Structure and Function of Running Waters. J. David Allan. 1995. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Norwell, MA, 388pp. $89.95, softcover. ISBN 0412355302. A well-researched comprehensive text on the ecology of streams and flowing water. Updates classic works by including important hydrological and geomorphological factors, nutrient spiraling, and more modern re2007 Book Reviews 153 search on species interactions. Includes everything one would expect in an ecology text, as well as a few pleasant surprises specific to flowing water: stream chemistry, the phenomenon of drift, organic matter, and nutrient dynamics. Discusses human impacts on stream systems. A thorough book, intended for advanced students. Useful as reference volume for professionals. Includes black and white figures and extensive references. S.O’M. Architecture: Nature. Philip Jodidio. 2006. Prestel Publishing,, New York, NY. 190 pp. $65, cloth. ISBN 3791335278. A fascinating look at architectural projects that have ties to natural forms or inspirations. Details case-by-case examples from around the world. Includes everything from geodesic domes and a tree house to huge ultramodern structures of glass and metal. Emphasis on design. High quality color photos throughout complement the text for each structure. Very interesting and timely. Recommended for anyone interested in design. S.O’M. Earth Change and the Earth System: A Planet Under Pressure. W. Steffan et al, 2004. Springer Science+Business Media, New York, NY and Berlin, Germany. 336 pp. $139, cloth. ISBN 3540265945. Presents the results of research by the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) on Global systems and change of those systems. Introduces Earth system science, a body of research devoted to a systems view of earth processes such as ocean circulation, weather patterns, vegetation and biosphere feedback loops, and the interconnections of various layers of systems. Looks at the mechanics of intact systems, and the impacts of human activities on those. Addresses the problem of discerning human impact from natural variability and presents research on how global systems have responded to human impacts. Devotes much space to consequences of changing or tampering with Earth systems. Looks to the future where Earth system science leads to global sustainability. A deeply complex issue, does well in explaining layers and relations. Ambitious and much needed. Very technical, well researched. Over 200 useful figures and illustrations, includes CD-ROM with all figures. Recommended for advanced students and professionals involved in systems modeling. S.O’M. Ents, Elves, and Eriador: The Environmental Vision of J.R.R. Tolkien. Matthew Dickerson and Jonathan Evans. 2006. University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 316 pp. $35, cloth. ISBN 0813124182. A fascinating ecocritical evaluation of the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Focused primarily but not exclusively on The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. Tolkien’s other works are discussed. Looks in depth at the obvious environmental themes of agrarianism with the hobbits, aesthetics and horticulture with the elves, and wildness with the ents. Overarching themes of stewardship are connected to the wizard Gandalf throughout. Discusses the means of conveying environmentalism in myth and story. Valuable for both Tolkien fans and those interested in ecocriticism and environmental literature. Especially useful given the popularity of the subject matter. Relatively readable, not overly academic. Includes notes and recommended reading. S.O’M. Nature: An Economic History. Geerat J. Vermeij. 2004. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 445 pp. $19.95, softcover. ISBN 069112793X. Explores where evolution and natural history, human history, and economics converge. Theorizes that similar “economic” forces shape both natural and human history. Ultimate thesis is that human systems that do not follow the patterns of natural economies are doomed to be less successful than those that do, just like in nature. We see the similarity of economic and ecological terms: consumption, competition, resource management, technology, systems geography, disturbance. An ambitious and thoughtful book examining the 154 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No. 1 parallels and patterns. Seeking a synergy is an admirable and ultimately pragmatic task. Dense, small print. Extensive notes and references. No graphics or figures. An interesting challenging read. S.O’M.. Population Ecology: First Principles. John H. Vandermeer and Deborah E. Goldberg. 2003. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 280 pp. $45, softcover. ISBN 0691114412. Designed as a population ecology textbook for advanced undergraduate or graduate students, presenting established basics of the field. Relies heavily on quantitative analysis. Linear algebra and calculus are required to fully appreciate material (a review appendix is included). Most chapters can stand alone. Up to date and well laid out. Concludes with a useful chapter entitled “What this book was about” (in case you missed it the first time). Technical, but appropriately so. Includes many figures, references, and a short glossary. Extremely useful reference for students. S.O’M. Native and Naturalized Trees of New England and Adjacent Canada: A Field Guide. Richard M. DeGraaf and Paul E. Sendak. 2006. University Press of New England, Lebanon NH. 227 pp. $16.95, softcover. ISBN 1584655453. Small concise field guide for trees in the Northeast. Woody shrubs common in understory are sadly not included. The book’s strength is in the amount of information it includes. Flowering time and detailed descriptions of flowers and fruits, habitat, and notes of interest accompany more typical field guide entries. Includes French common names. Descriptions of widely naturalized species are helpful. A weakness is the emphasis on verbal description for identification. Pictures limited to a small line drawing of leaves and fruits accompanying each species description. Easy-to-use key based on leaf shape. Small enough to take into the field. A very good second guide. S.O’M. A Field Guide to Mammals of North America, 4th Edition. Fiona A. Reid. 2006. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. 579 pp, $20, softcover, ISBN 0395935962. A Peterson field guide, in classic Peterson style. Covers continental US and Canada including coastal waters and pelagic species. Hawaii not included. Features color plates with illustrations and skull plates with photographs. The bulk of the book is taken up by species accounts with occasional color photos. Species accounts are detailed, focused on identification, and arranged taxonomically. Author notes mammal phylogeny is uncertain and changing, thus her taxonomy may be different than other field guides. Up-to-date conservation status included. Changes from the 3rd edition are not outlined but include: updated taxonomy and species organization, color photos of selected species, new color plates, colored range maps, and deletion of some dental references. Short glossary, references listed. Recommended. S.O’M. Florilegium Imperial. H. Walter Lack. 2006. Prestel Publishing, New York, NY. 303 pp. $164, clothcover. IBSN 3791334921. Enchanting, opulent, erudite, botanical illustrations for Emperor Francis I of Austria—captivates the reader from the first page. Thoroughly researched and beautifully written by the Director of the Botanical Garden and Museum at Berlin Dahlem, the Florilegium Imperiale gives a selective overview of the large-format watercolours of Mathias Schmutzer, who painted them over a period of thirty years in Vienna. Receiving his mandate from the Emperor Francis I, he documented the botanical treasures of the greenhouses and gardens at Schloss Schönbrunn, and to a larger extent, those of the court and palace gardens of Vienna. At a time when the upheaval of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars shook the European political scene, the Emperor found relief in plants and the world of gardens. Not only was he a de2007 Book Reviews 155 voted hobby gardener, he also initiated and financed 5 botanical expeditions. They returned with a wealth of botanical and “jewels,” which became the basis for the Emperor’s gardens and the over 1300 watercolours painted by Schmutzer. The Florilegium Imperiale is a source of fascination to art conoisseurs, botanists, and cultural historians. In great detail and in colourful descriptions, the cultural-historical panorama of the time comes to life. Visitors to Vienna today may still follow on the trail of the Flower Emperor and envision a botanical heyday which may yet inspire. I.L. The Ecology of Shallow Lakes. Marten Scheffer. 2004. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Norwell, MA. 357 pp. $54, softcover. ISBN 1402023065. A thorough treatment of shallow lake ecology, focused on the issue of water clarity and its affect on aquatic systems. Defines shallow lake as what is commonly known as a pond, an aquatic system that does not stratify in the summer, with top-to-bottom mixing of the water column. Dominant factors are sediment and aquatic vegetation. Uses a model of diametrically opposed states: shallow lakes are either clear and healthy or turbid and relatively unhealthy, with no real middle ground. Thoroughly researched, potentially a bit dated (newest studies referenced are mid- 1990s). An admirable synthesis of a huge body of research. Useful reference for any one studying freshwater ecology. Technical and scientific, not for the general natural history audience. S.O’M. In Search of Deep Time: Beyond the Fossil Record to a New History of Life. Henry Gee. 2001. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 267 pp. $19.95, softcover. ISBN 0801487137. Explores the “tension” between “Deep Time” (or the geological time scale) and the human time frame, and at the same time tells some of the story of the history of life and biology. Shows how the history of life takes place in Deep Time, and cannot be accurately conveyed on a human time scale. Author critiques the narrative or story-telling approach to the paleontological history of life as too subjective, instead offering the science of cladistics as a away to discern patterns in the fossil record free of our need to fit fossils to narratives. Presents cladistics, or phylogenetic systematics as away to uncover the web of relatedness of all life. Uses specific studies to demonstrate this. Very interesting, especially for those interested in paleontology, biology, and the general history and philosophy of science. Includes notes. Very readable, recommended. S.O’M. The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution. Sean B. Carroll. 2006. W.W. Norton, New York, NY. 301 pp. $25.95, cloth. ISBN 0393061639. An introduction to genomics or comparative DNA analysis and its implications for evolution. Describes how by examining genomes, the genetic changes from which new species arose can be identified beyond a doubt. Disused or “fossil” genes are also discussed, strengthening the case. Emphasizes decoding rather than sequencing as the important part of genomics. Skillfully weaves complex biological concepts with personal stories and examples from around the world. By author’s own account, this book is meant for natural history enthusiasts, teachers and students of biology, and anyone who may be confused about the current “intelligent design” debate. Some material may be challenging for the casual reader. Once started, is difficult to put down. S.O’M. Species Invasion: Insights into Ecology, Evolution, and Biogeography. Dov F. Sax, John J. Stachowicz, and Steven D. Gaines (Eds.). 2005. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, MA. 495 pp. $51.95, softcover. ISBN 0878938117. An explosion in the colonization of new habitats and locales by non-native plant and animal species has occurred in the past cen156 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No. 1 tury, primarily due to human efforts and recent economic globalization trends. These “invasions” can have disastrous consequences for the native species and ecology, but can also provide tremendous benefits to human society. They also present a unique opportunity to gain insights into the workings of the natural world. This book focuses on how questions of ecology, evolution and biogeography can be explored by studying species invasions. Consisting of contributions from a diversity of biologists, the chapters use recent scientific findings to propose new theories, constructs, theoretical frameworks, and directions for future research into how species invasions can provide us with new understandings of these three areas. The result is an insightful, provocative, and timely text that will be of interest to biologists, ecologists, and evolutionary theorists S.E. Phylogeny and Evolution of Angiosperms. Douglas E. Soltis, Pamela A. Soltis, Peter K. Endress, and Mark W. Chase. 2005. Sinauer Associates, Inc. Publishers, Sunderland, MA. 370 pp. $62.95, softcover. ISBN 0878938176. The use of genetic molecular analyses to determine phylogenetic relationships has resulted in a major modification of our knowledge of angiosperm relationships. This has diminished the usefulness of past classification schemes. This text uses the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group’s reclassification of angiosperms to provide a comprehensive summary of current concepts of angiosperm phylogeny. This framework is used to provide examples of character evolution, and to highlight areas of inadequate understanding, where further research effort is required. This text is sure to be an important and useful resource for specialists in angiosperm evolution and phylogeny. Many detailed line drawings of plant parts are used to illustrate evolutionary relationships, along with phylogenetic trees for all major groups. Well referenced to the scientific literature. S.E. Taxonomy and Plant Conservation: The Cornerstone of the Conservation and the Sustainable Use of Plants. Etelka Leadlay and Stephen Jury (Eds.). 2006. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY. 343 pp. $60, softcover. ISBN 0521607205. This collection of papers by 30 contributing authors begins with two introductory chapters outlining the history and future of plant diversity science and the role of taxonomy in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity. How taxonomy is practiced is the theme for the next section with chapters addressing the principles of taxonomy, what is required of a taxonomy, and the rules governing nomenclature. The role of taxonomy in establishing priorities is addressed in 4 chapters: measuring diversity, need for taxonomy in European conservation management plans, the Medusa Network— conservation in the Mediterranean, and plant compounds and micromolecules. The final part explores conservation strategies employing taxonomy. Subjects addressed in the ten chapters include contributions of botanic gardens, molecular systematics, the role of the taxonomist, wild seed banks, and the usefulness of taxonomy to legislation. Each chapter includes references and a comprehensive index completes the volume. C.R. Ginseng Dreams: The Secret World of America’s Most Valuable Plant. Kristin Johannsen. 2006. The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. 215 pp. $24.95, hardcover. ISBN 0813123844. Johannsen brings us along on her investigation into the history of this mystical plant, how it is used, cultivated, gathered, bought and sold at present, and into what the future might hold for the plant and those associated with it. We meet interesting folks who make extra money by “sangin” or gathering roots and others whose job it is to make sure the sangers and the people who deal in ginseng are following the rules. We visit a ginseng farm and others attempting to cultivate the 2007 Book Reviews 157 plant as well as biologists studying the plant. Most interesting is a researcher studying the effects of ginseng on cancer. An entertaining and captivating book about a plant that is claimed to cure just about whatever ails you! C.R. Migrating Raptors of the World: Their Ecology and Conservation. Keith L. Bildstein. 2006. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 320 pp. $35, hardcover. ISBN 9780801441790. Until recently, little was known about the lengthy seasonal migrations undertaken by many of the worlds’ raptors. This volume is the first to synthesize all that is known about raptor migrations, in an accessible account of raptor physiology, history, ecology, geography, and conservation. Worldwide in scope, the text gives information on over two hundred species, with personal accounts by the author of his sightings at twelve of he world’s most important raptorviewing spots. Sixteen color plates depict raptors and some of the problems they face, and there are photographs, maps, and charts throughout, but the focus of this text is on providing the most up-to-date and relevant information on raptor migration. This is an essential volume for the library of raptor biologists, and of great interests to ornithologists and bird watchers everywhere. S.E. A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada: Identification, Natural History, and Distribution of the Cicindelidae. David L. Pearson, C. Barry Knisley, and Charles J. Kazilek. 2006. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. 227 pp. $19.95, softcover. ISBN 0195181565. This comprehensive guide covers every tiger beetle in North America and will be valued by anyone with an interest in this group, from amateur to professional. Introductory chapters cover how to recognize a tiger beetle, their phylogeny, and taxonomy. For the beginner ,there is a chapter on observing and studying the beetles. The guide includes simple keys written with a minimum of technical language, as well as beautifully reproduced color plates of specimens of each species and subspecies. Species accounts include a range map and a detailed description that discusses similar species, subspecies and variants. Distribution and habits, behavior, seasonality, and larval biology are also described. There are also chapters on behavior and ecology, biogeography, and conservation of tiger beetles. A brief bibliography, checklist, and index conclude this handy guide that will give all readers confidence to take up study of these intriguing creatures. C.R. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Northeastern North America: A Revised and Enlarged Edition of Norman C. Fassett’s A Manual of Aquatic Plants. Two Volumes. Garrett E. Crow and C. Barre Hellquist. 2000. The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, WI. 480 pp./ 400 pp. $90, hardcover; $45, softcover. ISBN 029916330X/-280X. Volume one includes pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and the dicotyledon portion of the angiosperms. Volume two includes the monocotyledon portion of the angiosperms. In addition to updating the nomenclature, the authors have also increased the range by including Newfoundland and extending westward to southeastern Manitoba and southward to Missouri, as well as providing more complete coverage of Virginia. They have also added species found in bogs, salt marshes, and tidal areas. Absent are aquatic bryophytes. The keys cover 1139 species of 109 families and use vegetative material whenever possible. 90 percent of the taxa are illustrated occupying more than 600 pages combined. The enlarged diagrams are helpful, but not necessarily more detailed. Species entries include naming authority, common name, habitat, and range. A discussion of invasive species is included in Volume 2. Both volumes in158 Northeastern Naturalist Vol. 14, No. 1 clude a list of abbreviations, a glossary of plant terms, a glossary of habitat terms, a list of references, and a combined common/ scientific name index. C.R. Flora of North America north of Mexico. Volumes 19, 20 and 21. Flora of North America Editorial Committee (Eds.). 2006. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. 597/666/616pp. $95, hardcover. ISBN 019505639/-647/-655. These three volumes cover Magnoliophyta: Asteridae parts 6,7, and 8; Asteraceae parts 1,2, and 3. Volume 19 covers the genera Mutisieae, Cynareae, Arctotideae, Veronieae, Cichorieae, Calenduleae, Gnaphalieae, Inuleae, Plucheeae, and Anthemideae. Volume 20 covers Asteraea and Senecioneae. Volume 21 covers Heliantheae and Eupatorieae. Combined, the three volumes treat 2413 species. Volume 19 provides a key to the tribes, including those covered in the other two volumes, as well as a key to artificial groups leading to genera. An introduction to each tribe is provided, and a key to the genera covered in that volume are found in each. Species accounts include naming authority with references, synonyms, common name, vegetative and floral characters, range map, habitat information, and discussion of subspecies and hybrids. Line drawings are occasionally provided. An extensive literature cited section and index are limited to the material in each volume. A separate index to the Asteraceae genera is found in each volume as well. C.R. Book Reviewers: S.E. = Stephen Eddy, C.R. = Cathy Rees, S.O’M. = Sarah O'Malley, I.L. = Ingrid Lotze.