Five Decades With Tropical Fruit is the personal journey of one unique and dedicated man, William Francis Whitman, known around the world to kindred spirits simply as Bill Whitman. This 496-page book contains his collected papers and hundreds of photographs extending back to when he got the tropical fruit "bug' on a 1947 trek to Tahiti. What began as a love of the native breadfruit led to a lifelong and challenging quest for the rarest and most delicious of the ultratropical fruits from every continent. Bill's tireless efforts have brought to fruition many unique introductions despite uncounted setbacks from hurricanes, disease, pests and cold weather events. His talents and skills in photograph have captured within these pages a cornucopia of elusive and astounding exotic fruits in living and glorious color. Also within are all of Bill's articles written for "Tropical Fruit News" 1991-2000 while Bob Cannon II and Donna McVicar Cannon were editors; therfore [sic], this book serves as a partial compilation and sampling of what many call "The Golden Years" of the Rare Fruit Council's magazine, with photos from those issues by Bill and other contributors. Bill Whitman has lived his long life with zest and a generous spirit, guiding and influencing thousands of fruit lovers around the world. His book is therefore a monument to that creed, and to those kindred spirits who are proud to call Bill Whitman a friend. - Dust jacket.