by Henry N. Ellacombe
Dover Publications
Outdoors & Nature
Pub Date 19 Apr 2017
EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9780486813288
PRICE $18.95 (USD)
FTC Reviewed for Dover Publications and Net Galley
Description
From Ophelia's pansies and Lear's crown of weeds to Desdemona's song of the willow and the many botanical references in A Midsummer Night's Dream, the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare abound in allusions to trees, flowers, herbs, and shrubs. This unique book explores a charming intersection of nature and literature, examining every plant mentioned by the playwright.
An alphabetical glossary cites each plant, placing the quotation in context and discussing its symbolism. A synopsis of the plant's history is followed by practical advice for its cultivation. Dozens of engravings of plants appear throughout the book, in addition to full-page illustrations of Shakespeare's garden and other Avon sites. Shakespeare enthusiasts, historians, plant lovers, and gardeners will appreciate this comprehensive botanical survey and identification guide
My Thoughts
The Plant-Lore and Garden-Craft of Shakespeare is extremely fascinating and a pleasure to read. Not only does it do an amazing job of breaking down species into distinct and subspecies, it also provides details of 16th-century symbology and lovely illustrations. And, it makes me look more closely at the plants I grow in my own garden, shown below.
