Haworthia Revisited, a Revision of the Genus by Bruce Bayer 1999

This revision of the genus by Bruce Bayer is his first since 1982. With over 450 color photographs, 61 recognized species illustrated, Haworthia Revisited is the best book you can get on Haworthia. Bayer recognizes 137 varieties, 5 forms, 6 new species, and 27 new varieties, with 37 new combinations.  The book Includes a section on cultivation, propagation and plant health by Steven Hammer.  250 pages, 10-1/2" by 8-1/2".  In print Jan 2001, Highly recommended, a must buy!

The New Haworthia Handbook by Bruce Bayer 1982

Bayer's second book is long out of print but is still a treasure drove of Haworthia information.  It was his first Haworthia book with color pictures, and has a very extensive bibliography.  In this work, Bayer recognized 68 species, 47 subspecies, varieties and forms.  124 pages, 9-1/2" by 6-1/2".  Recommended for the photos.  Out of print.

Haworthia Handbook by Bruce Bayer 1976

This was my first book on Haworthias and perhaps because of that, it is still one of my favorites.  Many black and white photos with a few color plates, make this a visually gratifying book.  The excellent text make it as fun to read.  Fully 50% of this book is devoted to a section entitled, "Index of Names in Haworthia Duval", an extensive summery of 200 years of Haworthia literature.  This book is well worth owning for this section alone.  184 Pages, 8" by 6" Recommended.  Out of print.

Haworthia and Astroloba, a Collector's Guide by John Pilbean 1983

Pilbeam takes a collectors approach to this work, discussing many types and forms that are not recognized today, and who's beauty and magic are being lost into obscurity.  Pilbeam mostly agrees with Bayer, making the book easy reading if you are familiar with Bayer.  Many picture, some in color make this a visually striking work.  225 black and white photos, 94 line drawings, 8 pages of color photos.  176 pages, 10" by 7-1/2".  Very highly recommended.  Out of print.

The First 50 Haworthias by John W. Pilbeam 1970

A delightful little booklet filled with pin and ink line drawing by Pilbeam.  This is no scholarly treatise, but has Pilbeam's fantastic little drawings and his description of 50 Haworthias.  40 pages, 7" by 4-1/2".  Recommended for those who enjoy these simple line drawings.  Out of print.

The Second 50 Haworthias by John W. Pilbeam 1975

Pilbeam's "First 50" sequel, this booklet is equally delightful.  74 pages, 7" by 4-1/2".  Recommended for those who liked the First 50 Haworthias.  Out of print.

 

The Genus Haworthia, a taxonomic revision by Charles L. Scott 1985

Maybe it is because I grew up on Bayer, but Scott's book is very hard for me to follow.  I do like the many color photos, and the distribution maps.  However, Scott has his own name for everything, so it becomes quite difficult to determine what species his name applies to in this work.  I recommend this book for the photos alone, but I feel the text has little relevance today.  150 pages 10-1/2" by 8".  Out of print.

Notes on Haworthias by J.R. Brown, Compiled by Stephen Halloway 1999

This book is a compilation of the article authored by J.R. Brown published in the U.S. Cactus and Succulent Journal from 1937 to1974.  Each article is graced with one or two black and white photos.  In many cases outdated, these articles are still fascinating reading today.  One of the most valuable aspects of this book is the two-page chart the compilers added that compares names from Bayer (1982) and Scott (1985) providing a cross reference to these confusing names (Especially Scott's.   I recommend this book and it is also currently in print!   219 pages 9-1/2" by 6-1/2".  In print January 2001.

 

In 1998 the U.S. Cactus and Succulent Journal published two special issues devoted to Haworthia.  Volume 70, number 4 covering July-August 1998, and Volume 70, number 5 covering September-October 1998.  Both are in print and well worth the price, highly recommended.  Click on the images above for more information.  To order order these back issues, Click Here

Gasterias of South Africa, A new revision of a major succulent group by E. J. van Jaarsveld, Illistrated by Ellaphie Ward-Hilhorst, 1994. 

While not a Haworthia book,  Gasterias of South Africa, is a must have, if for nothing else than Ellaphie Ward-Hilhorst's incredible botanical illustrations of this wonderful genus.  Still in print January 2001, 9 by 12 inches, 96 pages, you won't be able to put it down!  Highly recommended.

Many out of print Cactus and Succulent books, including those above can be found by searching in the Cactus Mall Book Shop