Shakespeare's Gardens
Exploring the gardens and plants of the legendary playwright
Jackie Bennett author Shakespeare Birthplace Trust author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Quarto Publishing PLC
Published:11th May '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores the gardens known to Shakespeare, featuring new photography and historical images, celebrating his legacy and botanical knowledge.
For the first time, Shakespeare's Gardens presents a captivating collection of newly commissioned photography alongside stunning archival images of flowers, old herbals, and 16th-century illustrations. This richly illustrated and informative volume delves into the gardens that William Shakespeare encountered during his life, from his formative years to his later days as a celebrated playwright. Published to commemorate the 400th anniversary of his death in April 2016, the book serves as a tribute to the literary legacy of one of history's greatest writers.
The focus of Shakespeare's Gardens lies in the five significant gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon that shaped his experiences. Readers will journey from his birthplace on Henley Street to Mary Arden's Farm, his childhood playground, through the romantic setting of Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and finally to New Place, his last residence where he cultivated a garden reflecting his status. These gardens, maintained by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, continue to evolve, offering insights into the playwright's life and the botanical knowledge of his time.
Additionally, the book explores the various plants that Shakespeare referenced in his works, illuminating their significance and the meanings they held for his audiences. From mulberries to roses, the flora of the Elizabethan era is intricately woven into Shakespeare's narratives. Shakespeare's Gardens not only showcases the beauty of these gardens but also tells the story of Shakespeare's remarkable journey from the son of a glove maker to a national icon, highlighting his profound connection with the natural world around him.
"This will find a wider audience than Shakespeare fans, just as titles such as Marta McDowell’s Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life and Kim Wilson’s In the Garden with Jane Austen appealed to readers interested in gardening history."
“a true celebration and exploration into a central part of [Shakespeare's] family life and private world”
“brush up your understanding of Elizabethan plants and gardening in this beautifully illustrated tour of Shakespeare’s gardens”
"This will find a wider audience than Shakespeare fans, just as titles such as Marta McDowell’s Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life and Kim Wilson’s In the Garden with Jane Austen appealed to readers interested in gardening history."
“a true celebration and exploration into a central part of [Shakespeare's] family life and private world”
“brush up your understanding of Elizabethan plants and gardening in this beautifully illustrated tour of Shakespeare’s gardens”
'the best of coffee table books: as well as looking beautiful it’s a fascinating read...it’s part biography, part social history, part present-day gardening guide. As Will, fond of a horticultural reference, would have said: “Here’s flowers for you…” ‘
ISBN: 9780711256989
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
192 pages
Revised Edition