The Mythology of Plants: Botanical Lore from Ancient Greece and Rome

by Annette Giesecke

This engaging book focuses on the perennially fascinating topic of plants in Greek and Roman myth. The author, an authority on the gardens, art, and literature of the classical world, introduces the book’s main themes with a discussion of gods and heroes in ancient Greek and Roman gardens. The following chapters recount the everyday uses and broader cultural meaning of plants with particularly strong mythological associations. These include common garden plants such as narcissus and hyacinth; pomegranate and apple , which were potent symbols of fertility; and sources of precious incense including frankincense and myrrh. Following the sweeping botanical commentary are the myths themselves, told in the original voice of Ovid, classical antiquity’s most colorful mythographer.
 
The volume’s interdisciplinary approach will appeal to a wide audience, ranging from readers interested in archaeology, classical literature, and ancient history to garden enthusiasts. With an original translation of selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses , an extensive bibliography, a useful glossary of names and places, and a rich selection of images including exquisite botanical illustrations, this book is unparalleled in scope and realization.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, History, Art, Nature, Gardening, Folklore

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2014

Reviews

[lisa_emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combines three things I really like: plants, botanical art, & Greek myths. A nice something to read while drinking tea on your way out of the house.

[Jayme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was torn between 3-3.5 and 4. From the perspective of someone a little newer to mythology, it a great primer to get you started down the rabbit hole of lesser known myths so for the new to myth, I’d say it’s a 4.

For me, having studied classical studies, it was not as much depth as I wanted both into the analysis of the plants within the myths and deeper meanings nor the ancient applications of the plants. Other sources were vaguely referenced and not gone into in detail when I feel there could have been a strong look at those without taking away from this being a book structured around plants in Ovid’s metamorphoses. Beautiful photos though, a quick read, and a nice little poke back into classics, although lacking deep research and analysis.

[Isla · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone that has basic highschool art history class knowledge of mythology and the artistic sphere of the ancient greek and roman world, this was pretty interesting and easy to follow. However, I was hoping for more in-depth information, I felt that most of it was adressed in kind of a superficial manner. For the prize of the book I was expecting more content.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant and informative read and art history exploration of Greek and Roman myths (as retold by Ovid and translated by the author) as they relate to various plants. It also listed common plants found in Roman villas and their uses. While few of the pictures were contemporary Greek/Roman, they illustrated the stories and plant lore well and were beautiful.

[Nikos · Rating 3 out of 5]

the distinction b/t greek and roman wasnt clear sometimes

[Teena Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some familiar tales and some new. Bought this for my love of plants as well as Greek Mythology. Was not disappointed.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

开头的intro其实挺吸引人的，从植物、花园与古代罗马希腊建筑的联系谈起，我以为是要重新塑造标题在人与建筑的关系中扮演的角色。特别是花园在不同地区建筑中的比例与功用性质的讨论，还是挺有想法的。但正文就只是以变形记为基础的，非常简单入门的植物历史与神话的介绍……没有太多亮点与新意。纸质和插图很美，coffee table book，图书馆借来消遣看看还是可以的

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tidbits of history on a selection of plants. I would have liked to have more depth in the history section, but I did really enjoy the inclusion of the myths where the plants were mentioned.