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Orchids by J. Oplt with Illustrations by J. Kaplicka is a distinguished mid20th century botanical reference that combines authoritative text with exquisite visual art, ideal for collectors, gardeners, and enthusiasts of horticultural illustration. First published in London by Spring Books in 1970, this hardcover edition presents a comprehensive celebration of the orchid family's diversity, marrying scientific description with artistic representation for an engaging and enduring botanical volume.
This edition, often titled Orchids: 56 Plates in Colour, spans approximately 140 pages of content and features 56 fullpage colour plates alongside additional monochrome drawings, each rendered with precision by illustrator J. Kaplicka. The colour plates depict a curated selection of orchid species from around the world, capturing the subtle variations in form, texture, and hue that make orchids such treasured subjects for both study and display. Descriptive text by J. Oplt accompanies these images, providing context on origin, morphology, and notable traits that enrich the reader's appreciation and understanding of these remarkable flowering plants.
Produced during a period when botanical art served as both scientific documentation and aesthetic celebration, Orchids exemplifies the genre's strengths. The book's quarto format and quality printing reflect its purpose as a reference and coffeetable volume alike, making it equally at home in a botanist's library or a collector's display. The collaboration between Oplt's authoritative text and Kaplicka's vibrant illustrations ensures that this book remains a valued piece for those who admire orchids' complexity and beauty.
As a physical object, this edition is sought after in the used and antiquarian marketplace, with copies typically offered in varying conditions but consistently noted for the strength of their visual plates and the book's informative content. Whether acquired for study, inspiration, or as a decorative piece, Orchids by J. Oplt with illustrations by J. Kaplicka stands as a noteworthy addition to any botanical book collection.