Having been given a secondhand polytunnel, which came without any construction instructions, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book. However, when it did arrive my anticipation soon turned to extreme disappointment. I had many questions I required answers to, and still do as this book is so lacking in detail and practical information. Most areas are given just a cursory mention with no real substance.
Most of the 'pamphlet', I refuse to use the term book, seems to be padded out to make it up to an acceptable number of pages, which is still rather scant for the price. This padding includes blank pages for notes (ten of), extra wide margins, repetitive photographs (the out-of-focus cover photo is used on at least three occasions) and wasted page space (pp. 79-83 is a prime example).
The majority of the photographs used are so small there is little point in them being included. Additionally, black and white copies of colour photographs loose so much in transition so their inclusion is even more pointless.
The reference section appears to be rather more exclusive than inclusive. A quick search on the web will provide a much wider selection, in every section mentioned, not to mention some firms that are more relevant and (in my opinion) useful for supplies.
As a 'Companion' I did expect more, much more. I don't expect such advice as "contact your supplier for details" or "see what other people in the area are doing" after paying this amount of money. However, this does seem to be the only sound advice offered ... so save your money and contact your supplier if you have any queries. If you think you need a book on polytunnels try another author or wait until 'The Polytunnel Companion' is just that, a companion, when it is greatly expanded in the next/future edition(s).
