The author of more than thirty books, Nikolai Nikonov happily combines the powers of observation and visual talent of a writer with the extensive knowledge and passion of a naturalist. Ural readers are familiar not only with Nikonov’s novels and short stories, but also with his book “Songbirds”, which was published twice. His fascination with the world of birds did not prevent Nikonov from becoming a keen expert on the world of plants - both native Russian ones and such exotic ones as cacti, which the writer has been collecting for a long time three decades. In the book “Constellation of Cacti” N. Nikonov talks about the life of these amazing plants, shares his experience as an amateur cactus grower. Published in Sverdlovsk in 1978, the book was received with great interest by readers. While preparing “Constellation of Cacti” for the new edition, N. Nikonov made a number of clarifications and additions to the text. In particular, new chapters were written “Features of keeping rare cacti” and “Blossoming of cacti”. At the end of the book, the author answers some of the questions contained in extensive reader mail.

Middle Ural Book Publishing House, © 1978, with additions.