[2] The taxonomy presented in the first edition is based on that of Matthew Jebb and Martin Cheek's 1997 monograph, "A skeletal revision of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae)", which was in preparation at the time of the book's publication.

In the first edition, the species accounts are predominantly illustrated with watercolour paintings by Susan M. Phillipps,[1] while in the updated work they are supplemented by numerous habitat photographs by Ch'ien Lee.

[2] Nepenthes maxima is also dropped from the species list, as it is now considered absent from Borneo, with all similar plants from the island actually representing N. fusca.

[5] Schlauer concludes by writing: "The book is a nice addition to the collection of any Nepenthes amateur bibliophile but it cannot be recommended for scientific purposes.

"[6] Commenting on the retail price of $36, he opined that "the quality of the narrative, colour photographs and drawings make this cost justifiable".