Botanical Shakespeare is a richly illustrated compendium of every flower, fruit, herb, tree, seed, and grass mentioned in the works of the world’s greatest playwright. Featuring over 170 botanicals beautifully rendered in color, the book pairs each image with the exact quote and character who spoke it, illuminating how Shakespeare wove plants into his poetry and prose with remarkable botanical accuracy and metaphorical depth.
Alongside these “portraits” is an engaging dictionary explaining the meaning, history, and symbolism of each plant—from the fragrance of Eglantine to the difference between apples and apple-john. With indices organized by play, poem, character, and genus, this fascinating volume reveals Shakespeare’s knowledge of natural science and his poetic mastery of nature as a mirror of human experience. Both a scholarly reference and a visual delight, it’s an ideal gift for gardeners, readers, and lovers of art and literature alike.
Botanical Shakespeare is a richly illustrated compendium of every flower, fruit, herb, tree, seed, and grass mentioned in the works of the world’s greatest playwright. Featuring over 170 botanicals beautifully rendered in color, the book pairs each image with the exact quote and character who spoke it, illuminating how Shakespeare wove plants into his poetry and prose with remarkable botanical accuracy and metaphorical depth.
Alongside these “portraits” is an engaging dictionary explaining the meaning, history, and symbolism of each plant—from the fragrance of Eglantine to the difference between apples and apple-john. With indices organized by play, poem, character, and genus, this fascinating volume reveals Shakespeare’s knowledge of natural science and his poetic mastery of nature as a mirror of human experience. Both a scholarly reference and a visual delight, it’s an ideal gift for gardeners, readers, and lovers of art and literature alike.
