The Ink Thief

Synopsis

Garden and social historian Advolly Richmond (of Gardener’s World) unravels the surprising histories of 60 flowers that shape our gardens.

Have you ever wondered where your favourite garden flowers came from? Where their names derived? Or why some cultivars go in and out of favour? Every flower in your herbaceous border has a story, and in this book Advolly Richmond takes you on a tour of the most intriguing, surprising and enriching ones.

Tales of exploration, everlasting love and bravery bring these beautiful flowers to life. Advolly has dug down to uncover the royalty, scholars, pioneers and a smuggler or two that have all played a part in discovering and cultivating some of our favourite species. From the lavish and exotic bougainvillea, found by an 18th century female botanist in disguise, to the humble but majestic snowdrop casting a spell and causing a frenzy. These plants have played pivotal roles in our societies, from boom to bust economies, promises of riches, and making fashion statements. These unassuming blooms hold treasure troves of stories.  

With specially commissioned artworks from award-winning botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey, which sumptuously bring each flower to life – this is a beautiful compendium for every garden lover.

Review

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

“A Short History of Flowers” offers readers an enlightening exploration into the stories that are embedded in the origins of plants. Richmond is a renowned garden historian, and this comes across throughout the book, which is well-researched and utterly absorbing. “A Short History of Flowers” makes botanical history approachable for everyone, and the illustrations throughout are beautiful. The organisation of the book by Latin taxonomical names might make this book a little more difficult to access for someone who wants to look for a specific plant but doesn’t know its Latin name, but other than that, this book is very good.

Entries about the flowers themselves are illuminating, revealing interesting facts about how plants came by their names, interesting stories and historical facts linked to the plants, and how the flowers have been used and viewed throughout history. No section ever feels too long, and each section managed to hold my interest, throughout the entire book.

I would highly recommend “A Short History of Flowers” to anyone interested in history, botany, or cultural studies. It’s a compelling read that offers a unique lens through which to view our world and its past. Its accessibility makes it suitable for both casual readers and those with a more academic interest in the subject.

Overall, “A Short History of Flowers” is a testament to Richmond’s skill in bringing to life the vibrant and often overlooked history of flowers. It’s a book that not only educates but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its enduring influence on human civilisation.

Rating: ★★★★☆