Peony - (Botanical) by Gail Harland (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A beautifully illustrated cultural history of the silky flower.

Peonies are among the most beloved flowers, with petals of the finest silk and often a distinctive perfume. Their large, flamboyantly colored blooms are attractive and photogenic, ideal for celebrations. Beyond the flowers, the colorful shoots add interest to any garden. Peonies appear in the art and literature of China, Korea, Japan, the classical Mediterranean, and medieval Europe. Charles Darwin, as a child, was sent to count the peonies in his family garden, his first exercise in scientific data collection. Superbly illustrated, and covering cultural as well as botanical details, this book is an ideal companion for plant lovers wanting to learn more about this fascinating flower.

Review Quotes

"In this extensively researched, highly informative book, Gail Harland presents an entertaining and fascinating guide to a group of one of our favourite garden plants, peonies. No stone is left unturned in this wide-ranging, beautifully illustrated account, which describes not only aspects of their biology and cultivation, but also highlights their cultural significance in herbal medicine, literature, art, and music."--Richard J. Gornall, University of Leicester

"Brilliant . . . Gail Harland's research is impeccable, her dialogue with the reader is comfortable and the photographs are utter confection for the eye. This will accomplish for Paeonia what Anna Pavord's The Tulip did for the appreciation of the singular impact on our collective horti(cultural) identity by a single genus of plants."--Daniel J. Hinkley, author of 'Windcliff: A Story of People, Plants, and Gardens'

About the Author

Gail Harland is a dietitian and horticultural writer. Her previous publications include Snowdrop, also in Reaktion's Botanical series.