Living Himalayan Flowers, by Professor Sasuke Nakao, with introduction by Prof. Siro Katamura. Published by the Mainichi Newspapers, Tokyo, Yaruka-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 1965. 194 pages, 253 color prints. Bilingual. Price: 8500 yen.

The flora of Nepal was first systematically explored by the British botanist J. D. Hooker in the first half of the 19th century. With the closing of Nepal little further botanical exploration took place until its reopening in 1952. Since that time the Japanese have firmly established their leadership in the botanical exploration of Nepal. Professor Sasuke Nakao, the author of the present book, has made six collecting trips in the Himalayas of Nepal since 1952. This book is not a description of his scientific work; it is rather a presentation of some of the beautiful color photographs of Himalayan flowers made by him and his colleagues during their trips. Each photograph is accompanied by a brief commentary, botanical or historical, as for example, a note that the Nango La found to be covered with blue poppies (Meconopsis grandis) by J. D. Hooker in 1848, is still covered with blue poppies. Perhaps most spectacular are the pictures of Himalayan rhododendrons, one of which, the red flowered R. arboreum, has been named the national flower of Nepal. Primulas, pines, orchids, asters, gentians all are represented here, many in conjunction with marvelous Himalayan scenery. This book is recommended to all those who wish to refresh their recollections of Nepal below the snowline as well as to those who merely wish to acquaint themselves with wonders of the Himalayas.

James Bonner