Book excerpt: A presentation of 491 popular orchid species with 13 varieties and 3 natural hybrids in 51 genera with names beginning with A to E carefully detailed with beautiful photographs and concise descriptions of the plants, their distribution and habitats by a well-known author and photographer. Each genus is assigned a separate chapter. Coverage of the most commonly cultivated Asian species including their varieties and cultivars (e.g. in Bulbophyllum 82 species; Coelogyne 37 species; Dendrobium 210 species) is exhaustive. The orchids are photographed from their best perspective as individual blooms or entire inflorescences. Many species are also shown growing in their natural habitat. Representative hybrids are included to illustrate how some species have contributed to show-worthiness of various genera, their adaptation to a wider climate range, and easy cultivation. This book is a pleasure to view; simultaneously, an easy reference for the identification of orchid species and it provides a guide on how best to grow them. Nowhere else will one find so many popular species beautifully illustrated in a single volume. Volume 1 is the first of a 3 Volume series that will showcase over 900 species plus varieties in 117 genera. A must for everyone fascinated by orchids or simply with a love for nature.