Workman Press has also published gardening books about 100 Roses and 100 Orchids, which suggests that Dr. Male may have been constrained by their format. She has certainly optimized the possibilities within these limits, but it would be grand if she were allowed more freedom and space to share her wisdom, and to go into greater depth and detail. A big, fat, heavy, exhaustive tomato tome by this author would certainly find a place on my bookshelves.
And in the best of all possible worlds, the excellent photographs of the individual tomato varieties would be supplemented by more photographs of tomatoes actually growing in gardens: this would help both experienced and less experienced gardeners to plan their own, and to grasp the fine points of supporting the vines, as well as to visualize what to expect when the indeterminate plants are left to sprawl. The few excellent photographs of tomatoes "in situ" that are included are wonderfully informative and helpful.
Any gardener who acquires this book should be warned in advance that reading it will doom them to growing heirloom tomatoes. This year's crop of non heirlooms are still green on my vines, and I've already planned an extensive heirloom garden for next year. Thanks, Doc Carolyn, for the inspiration!
