After searching for several months for a good reference book on Japanese maples, I was getting ready to resign myself that such a book didn't exist. That is until I came across this wonderful book by J.D. Vertrees. Not only does it contain a wealth of information on the care, mature size, seasonal characteristics, etc., of the different varieties of Japanese Maples, but it is full of beautiful colour pictures of most of the varieties as well. All in all, a terrific reference and "must have" book for everyone interested in Japanese Maples. Makes a great coffee table book too!