A beautifully illustrated and unique history of the rose—the “queen of flowers”—in art, medicine, cuisine, and more
"From noted rosarian Peter Kukielski comes this unique and handsome book that traces the many ways that roses have captured human imagination throughout the history of civilization."—Meghan Shinn, Horticulture
"I would recommend Rosa as a gift for anyone who loves flowers, although once purchased you would find it hard to pass on!"—Judith Blacklock, Flora Magazine
Few flowers have quite the same allure or as significant a place in history as the rose. A symbol of love, power, royalty, beauty, and joy, the rose has played many roles, both literal and symbolic, in poetry, art, literature, music, fashion, medicine, perfume, decoration, cuisine, and more.
In this beautifully illustrated guide, award-winning horticulturist Peter E. Kukielski and his coauthor, Charles Phillips, tell the fascinating and many-layered history of this “queen of flowers.” The book explores many stories from the long association of roses with human societies, from their first cultivation—likely in China some five thousand years ago—to their modern genetic cultivars. It shows how roses have been prominent across time and many cultures, including ancient Greece and Rome, Christianity, Islam, and Sufism.
The book, with more than 140 color illustrations, offers a unique look at the essential contributions that roses have made throughout human history.
Rosa is a beautifully illustrated and very well written study of the history and uses of the "queen of the flowers". Due out 16th Feb 2021 from Yale University Press, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
Almost everyone loves roses. They have been prized throughout history for their beautiful color, scents, medicinal and food uses, for their blossoms, and their usefulness in the garden plantings.This book is information dense and beautifully illustrated survey of the history and uses of plants in the rose family.
The information is logically arranged and accessible. The introduction gives a review of the plants in the rose family, including fruits, trees, and shrubs. The following chapters cover history, migration (by humans), through the middle ages and into the modern era. Throughout, the book is gorgeously illustrated and photographed with color photos on every page. The book also includes valuable links and bibliography resources for further reading as well as an index.
Five stars. This would be a superlative choice for public library, gardening groups, for gifting to a gardening friend, or for the gardener's own home library.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
