Apples of Uncommon Character: Heirlooms, Modern Classics, and Little-Known Wonders

Well detailed about the character of each variety.

I am an aspiring amateur backyard orchardist and have acquired an interest in rare and unique heirloom apples, so this book really hit the sweetspot for me, right in my wheelhouse. Even for the average person that just likes apples and a good read, I still recommend this book ... the author has a very clever, descriptive, and captivating writing style that will have you wanting to flip to the next page ... and the next page. I especially liked the intro, gives you a solid understanding of the evolution of the apple and a historical perspective on how the apple has evolved and played out in American history ... and why heirloom apples and some new apples are experiencing a renaissance of sorts ... really an outstanding book to read cover to cover or to periodically pick up and browse ... highly suggest you acquire.

Having read numerous apple books the particularly good thing about this one is the author really tries to tease out descriptions of flavor and texture from the apples. He catches many subtle dimensions of flavor that were "on the tip of my tongue" but I couldn't quite put into words. Apples are many worlds of flavor and texture, the spectrum is quite stunning and this book begins to make a step in getting a deeper understanding. Another distinguishing feature is the writer can actually write and "old saw" apple stories I have read dozens of times before become fresh again. It would be a great book for any foodie-type that likes apples.The book is not perfect however. While it has some very good descriptions about what part of the country the various apples do well in, it is not a book for the grower in that disease propensity etc is not discussed. While it tries to be an American Apple Book, it is more focused on New England than other parts of the country. Its probably for the better though as the descriptions show the varying degrees of familiarity the author has with the different apples - the ones he knows best just sing from the page while some I get the feeling are only vague acquaintances. I also really don't know why mediocre apples are intentionally covered, there are fantastic apples that were left out (including two of my favorites, Hoople's Antique Gold and Freyburg) so we could learn how bad 20-Ounce Pippin is.

Seeing how we're getting into fall I decided to bone up on my apple knowledge and learn about lesser-know apple varieties that I could try while in season. I happened upon this title and decided to give it a go. The book arrived yesterday and I must admit that I'm impressed. First of all the photography is excellent. It's like a fashion show for over 120 different varieties of apples. The author also offers a sincere introduction that sets the stage for what he was attempting to do in writing this book - educate people that there is more to apples than the 5-6 varieties every grocery store in America stocks and that many heirloom varieties are still being rediscovered and enjoyed by new generations of apple lovers. The introduction definitely drew me into the material.The author also does a great job classifying all the varieties in logical sections - summer apples, dessert apples, bakers & saucers, apples that keep well, juicers, and oddballs. I particularly enjoyed reading the story behind the names and in many cases, the farmer who developed the variety.My only criticism would be that many of the varieties of apples where I currently live (Minnesota) aren't covered. It appears that there is a heavy bias toward New England varieties. That shouldn't discourage you from buying this book, however.If you're thinking about discovering some new apple varieties I encourage you to pick up this book. You'll love the history and the photography.

As I look out on my allee of CHESTNUT CRABS in winter, I am glad to have found a kindred soul in Rowan Jacobsen. We apple geeks need to stick together. What I liked about this book, is that it gives recognition to and confirms some of my choices for trees, but also gives me some new choices to source out for future plantings. There is also a very nice history with each variety he has chosen, and the photography is beautiful. It is not a how to book, but I felt a celebration book. I was lucky enough to go to the University of Minnesota for graduate school, and it does have one of the great fruit programs in the US........... Chestnut Crab was one of the apples I tried out at the Fruit Experimental Farm near the Arboretum, and I was hooked. You could buy bags of them at the Apple barn. It IS difficult to describe, but Jacobsen does a wonderful job of detailing the nuances of some of these varieties. For those of us who actually take chip budding and grafting classes for fun, this book is the "fruit geek support group" we needed. We have all seen those "old trees" in hedgerows, roadsides and abandoned orchards. They all have a story, and deserve to be preserved and appreciated, even as we welcome some of the newer varieties.

Great information about history, use, and taste, but very little on growing and care. Fantastic pictures and the book materials (e.g., binding and cover) are of excellent quality.

I love this book. True apple appeal in short sections. Interesting as heck. I even bought a few trees this book turned me onto.

I was expecting a straight forward reference work on American apples. But what I got was a delightful, charming and beautifully written book. Full of humour, insight and honest communication. There are laugh out loud moments too - like the apple he compares (in appearance) to the love child of a frog and a potato. But nonetheless a serious, seriously researched and meticulously prepared text. He obviously loves his subject. But what a beautiful read - no wonder the author is the winner of multiple authorship prizes and awards. Fabulous.

One of the best books I have come across, with regards to Heirloom apple varieties. A page of reading on each variety and a photo page. The writing is original and informative. Excellent thanks rainsbrooknursery.co.uk

Such a great book. A great variety of apples, beautiful presented, to look at. What I really appreciate about this book is it makes me excited about starting an orchard! Passionately!

Lovely book

beautiful book