Apples

With Apples, writer/illustrator Roger Yepsen has created my kind of coffee table book. Although you may mistake this quaint 5x6 inch manual for a coaster, it will never overtake the space that should be utilized for a tankard of fine cider. And when the conversation lulls, you can easily set down your tankard, read one apple description, and your friend won't even know you briefly left the discussion. Yepsen's quick essays on the history of apple cultivation, buying and eating apples, and the methods of making cider are interesting short reads. But what we come for are his colorful descriptions and vivid illustrations of ninety different classic apple varieties. Yepsen's bio identifies him as a freelance artist and writer. But he must be an apple fanatic too, because it takes passion to create ninety individual, intriguing passages about the same type of fruit. Readers of my site, The Heirloom Orchardist, know that I like to draw from old periodicals and books to describe heirloom fruit varieties and culture during the 18th and 19th centuries. But the old writers described apples in a mechanical, textbook-like fashion, as though the fruit had no life. Yepsen's descriptions tell you about the personality of each apple; its heft, its texture, fragrance, and subtle flavors. He accompanies these descriptions with histories, to give us a setting for each variety. Despite the quick concise title, which may imply to some that this would be an all-encompassing manual, it is not. This is not a book for someone who wants the whole story of apples. It's a tasting-plate. It's an apple appetizer. Your palette will be pleased.

When I decided to plant some apple trees, I wanted apples I couldn't buy at the local grocery store. Information on antique varieties was hard to find, but this little book was a treasure trove. I kept it beside me as I went through my catalogs, comparing those descriptions to Yepsen's text and beautiful illustrations of both antiques and some modern varieties. Very useful, and a pleasure for the eyes as well. The only improvement I could ask for is that it would cover more apples. Perhaps another volume?

This little jewel of a book is the best reference to the unusual "antique" apple varieties that are enjoying a new popularity. Stunning watercolors, history of varieties, and useful descriptions fill the book. Before we buy a tree, we consult "the book" to learn more about each cultivar.We wish that the author would do an Apples 2 - The Missed Varieties book!

This is a gem of a book. Roger Yepsen put a lot of heart and soul into this book and it shows. For a book that makes such a delightful first impression, it really delivers the goods. The exquisite watercolors never grow trite or tiring and the compact and well-researched narrative is surprisingly comprehensive.

This is an adorable, informative & fascinating book all about apples. The author does a great job of explaining how apple species have diminished, how retailers offer old and waxed apples and how to buy good applesThe best apple varieties for drying, sauce, pie, and cider are listed and the processes of making ciders, applejack & apple brandy are explained. There are even recipes for making apple leathers & apple butter. A detailed description is included for over 90 varieties of apples. Information includes the apple's origin, flavor, uses, harvesting time, & how well it stores. An elegant watercolor painting is included alongside each description. A small dictionary & sources for mail order tress are also included. This book makes a nice housewarming or wedding gift. It is a must for any cook serious about apples.