I have only seen a picture of Amy's book in promotional materials. I understand that it is beautifully illustrated. I don't know if it is more of a coffee table type book or if it has helpful information in it.
I have two copies of The Heirloom Tomato" Carolyn Male's 100 Heirloom Tomatoes. I bought the one and another was a gift. The one I bought has been used so much for reference/information and has been shared with the public when I was presenting the growing of Heirloom Tomatoes to groups; it shows it has been well used!
Being retired and on a fixed income, I probably will not be buying an expensive book like Amy's.
Gary

For a first read, tomato primer, getting started in growing Heirloom tomatoes, Carolyn's book is hands down the best book out there. Goldman's book is more for the seasoned tomato gardener with alot of tomato recipies and a large listing of tomato varieties, common and unusual listed by type,roma,cherry,beefsteak etc. Ami

I think I have answered this in another forum, but I think both books are great. Someone else pointed that Goldman's book has stuff such as recipes that are not present in Carolyn's book. On the other hand, Carolyn's book does work better as a field guide for maters, as it has presentations of each type of mater, and it's foilage, plus it's size and format are more for usage, and less for coffee table viewing. If you gotta buy one, I can't make that call for you. Carolyn's seed sources are a little out-dated, which she has stated herself I believe. Other than that, her book is a great read and is very useful to have, as is Goldman's book. Good luck.

I am not happy with Amy Goldman throwing out Kent Whealey out of Seed Savers. He was the founder and Amy strong armed her way into taking it over and throwing him out. Not nice in my opinion. I will not be buying her book. I have all her other books. I am sure we all know everything in the book anyway. Garden Web is the best place to get information.

What is it that you are looking to get from a book? Factual knowledge about heirloom tomatoes or pretty pictures? The two aren't really comparable books.

Goldman's is just recipes and pretty pictures. NY Times Book Review calls it a "nice house gift or look good on a coffee table" book and her "notes on their history and cultivation make amusing reading". Even the included recipes are open to criticism for noted chefs.

Dave

i was torn about buying it for the sse controversy also, but i'm glad i got it. i thought it was informative and totally different from carolyn's book which is like a field guide. i also bought the melon book and was so impressed i ordered the squash book. i don't think anyone who loves to garden would be disappointed. jmo.