Title:  Fruit, an Illustrated History
Author:  Peter Blackburne-Maze
ISBN:  1-55297-780-3
General Topic:  History and reference of fruit.

Review:  The beautiful illustrations and authoritative text in this book map the development of a huge variety of species.  History as well as cultivation, and their place in popular culture are discussed.  The illustrations are from the archives of the Royal Horticultural Society and were painted by well known artists.  Besides being an interesting read, Fruit, An Illustrated History is one of the best reference books on fruit for artists.

Name of book: The Complete Book of Fruits & Vegetables
Author: Francesco Bianchini, Francesco Corbetta, Marilena Pistoia
ISBN: 0-517-520338
General topic: Picture book of Fruits and Vegetables
Review: 110 sumptuous paintings illustrating 400 plants, painted by the well-known Italian artist Marilena Pistoia.  Great reference book for painting realistic fruits and vegetables.  Each subject has a brief history of where it came from along with its nutritive value t our bodies.  Each subject shows many varieties of the same fruit and vegetable and at different angles.  For example on the apple page there are six varieties of apples.  It’s hard to believe these are painted because of their depiction of realism.

Name of book:  Fruit Watching
Author: Masao Saito
ISBN: 4-7661-0402-1
General topic: Illustration of Fruits and Vegetables
Review: This book is out of print but if you can find it in a used book store or on the internet you will be lucky.  I’ve seen this book on the internet book stores from $150.00-$399.00.  80 pages and 230 full color illustration 80 types of fruit and 40 types of vegetables illustrated to perfection. Before painting each piece of fruit and vegetable Saito eats it to reconfirm the taste and texture.  An interesting history and evolvement accompany each illustration.