A History of the Fragrant Rose

The rose is the most treasured flower in the world. It has been prized, even held as sacred, for thousands of years. Across the ages, the rose has been celebrated in painting, music, myth, heraldry, and religion. Cultivated for its medicinal and culinary properties as well as for its fragrance, it was so highly valued in ancient times that attar of rose was more costly than gold. Abounding in wonderful illustrations, this enchanting tome traces the flower's long and fascinating storyfrom the rose gardens of Malmaison belonging to Napoleon's Empress Josephine to the Wars of the Roses.

Allen Paterson is the former director of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Canada and of the Chelsea Physic Garden in the United Kingdom. He is known throughout the world as a preeminent garden writer whose books include Trees for Your Garden and Plants for Shade.