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Botanical Shakespeare: An Illustrated Compendium of All the Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Trees, Seeds, and Grasses Cited by the World's Greatest Playwright – Dame Helen Mirren Foreword Edition
A captivating, beautifully illustrated, one-of-a-kind color compendium of the flowers, fruits, herbs, trees, seeds, and grasses cited in the works of the world’s greatest playwright, William Shakespeare, accompanied by their companion quotes from all of his plays and poems. With a foreword by Dame Helen Mirren—the first foreword she has ever contributed.
In this striking compilation, Shakespeare historian Gerit Quealy and respected Japanese artist Sumié Hasegawa combine their knowledge and skill in this first and only book that examines every plant that appears in the works of Shakespeare.
Botanical Shakespeare opens with a brief look at the Bard’s relationship to the plants mentioned in his works—a diversity that illuminates his knowledge of the science of botany, as well as the colloquy, revealing his unmatched skill for creating metaphorical connections and interweaving substantive philosophy. At the heart of the book are "portraits" of the over 170 flowers, fruits, grains, grasses, trees, herbs, seeds and vegetables that Shakespeare mentions in his plays and poems. Botanical Shakespeare features a gorgeous color illustration of each, giving a "face" to the name, alongside the specific text in which it appears and the character(s) who utter the lines in which it is mentioned.
This fascinating visual compendium also includes a dictionary describing each plant—such as Eglantine, a wild rose with a slight prickle, cherished for its singular scent, superior to any other rose; and the difference between apples and apple-john—along with indices listing the botanical by play/poem, by character, and genus for easy reference, ideal for gardeners and thoughtful birthday gift-giving.
This breathtaking, incomparable collection of exquisite artwork and companion quotes offers unique depth and insight into Shakespeare and his timeless work through the unusual perspective of the plants themselves.
In this striking compilation, Shakespeare historian Gerit Quealy and respected Japanese artist Sumié Hasegawa combine their knowledge and skill in this first and only book that examines every plant that appears in the works of Shakespeare.
Botanical Shakespeare opens with a brief look at the Bard’s relationship to the plants mentioned in his works—a diversity that illuminates his knowledge of the science of botany, as well as the colloquy, revealing his unmatched skill for creating metaphorical connections and interweaving substantive philosophy. At the heart of the book are "portraits" of the over 170 flowers, fruits, grains, grasses, trees, herbs, seeds and vegetables that Shakespeare mentions in his plays and poems. Botanical Shakespeare features a gorgeous color illustration of each, giving a "face" to the name, alongside the specific text in which it appears and the character(s) who utter the lines in which it is mentioned.
This fascinating visual compendium also includes a dictionary describing each plant—such as Eglantine, a wild rose with a slight prickle, cherished for its singular scent, superior to any other rose; and the difference between apples and apple-john—along with indices listing the botanical by play/poem, by character, and genus for easy reference, ideal for gardeners and thoughtful birthday gift-giving.
This breathtaking, incomparable collection of exquisite artwork and companion quotes offers unique depth and insight into Shakespeare and his timeless work through the unusual perspective of the plants themselves.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2017
70 people are currently reading
2880 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 55 reviews
November 6, 2023
Shakespeare expert Gerit Quealy teams up with Japanese artist Sumie Hasegawa-Collins to come up with this beautiful, collectors’ item. A must for all fans of Shakespeare’s works, amateur garden enthusiasts as well as serious botanists and nursery men, it took twenty years of labour. It covers all the flowers, fruits, herbs, Trees and Grasses quoted in the works of Shakespeare. The drawings add beauty to the text that accompanies. The Syllabic sketches at the end summarises the content for those in a hurry.
April 22, 2020
Botanical Shakespeare
is, as its title says, a botanical compendium of William Shakespeare’s quotes from his plays and poems. It is a beautifully illustrated book with astounding botanical paintings –by Sumié Hasegawa– of each plant, flower, fruit, tree… mentioned in every Shakespeare’s work accompanied by his quotes, indicating the source –i.e. character, play, and act–, but it is not a book meant to be read traditionally. I think it is more of a coffee table book to enjoy little by little or have a glance at it.
Although it is indeed a lovely book (probably one of the most beautiful books I own) and a perfect gift for Bardolators, I would have liked the information about the plants –botanicals defined section– gathered at the end, had matched up with each illustration. I also missed additional historical information and context, and if the index sections available at the companion website had been included, it would have been a more well-rounded edition.
In the end, some quotes turned out to be somewhat repetitive, and although I found some errors in the references, the book as a whole is very pleasing, and it shows it was carried out with extensive research work.
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Although it is indeed a lovely book (probably one of the most beautiful books I own) and a perfect gift for Bardolators, I would have liked the information about the plants –botanicals defined section– gathered at the end, had matched up with each illustration. I also missed additional historical information and context, and if the index sections available at the companion website had been included, it would have been a more well-rounded edition.
In the end, some quotes turned out to be somewhat repetitive, and although I found some errors in the references, the book as a whole is very pleasing, and it shows it was carried out with extensive research work.
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May 8, 2019
It is breaking my heart to be returning this beautiful book to the library but I must free it for the pleasure of others.
It basically is as the title says. Each plant, flower, leaf etc is accompanied by quotes from Shakespeare citing the character, play and act. It opens with a short introduction on botanicals and their rise during the Elizabethan era and at the end there is a listing with definitions.
This isn’t one that I would buy as an ebook due to the exquisite binding and heavy ivory stock used to produce it. Oh one day a copy will be mine!
Seriously it is stunning as well as informative.
It basically is as the title says. Each plant, flower, leaf etc is accompanied by quotes from Shakespeare citing the character, play and act. It opens with a short introduction on botanicals and their rise during the Elizabethan era and at the end there is a listing with definitions.
This isn’t one that I would buy as an ebook due to the exquisite binding and heavy ivory stock used to produce it. Oh one day a copy will be mine!
Seriously it is stunning as well as informative.
May 29, 2017
The well-researched Botanical Shakespeare by Gerit Quealy, a Goodreads First Reads book, is filled with beautiful botanical illustrations by Sumie Hasegawa-Collins. Each plant in this collection was selected from references in Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, is illustrated, and further, includes other names by which this plant was known or referred to in Shakespeare's works, i.e. Adonis Flower is also called Fritillary (p. 12) and the Pansy, "Love-in-idleness" and "Cupid's Flower" (p. 132).
The glossary at the end of the book, "Botanicals Defined," is chock full of fascinating information about each plant: what it is; how it was used; and some history, and interpretations. The bibliography and other information is available through the website: www.BotanicalShakespeare.com.
This collection is one to be read slowly and savored. I am, perhaps, like most people: familiar with Shakespeare's most popular works. I knew, for example, that Midsummer's Night Dream contained many plant references, but "...a rose by any other name..." from Romeo and Juliet was the only flower reference that came immediately to my mind. Yet there are dozens of other rose references in as the many different works.
Helen Mirren's foreword is informative and inspiring. I came away with a totally new appreciation and interest in the Bard, and am adding Merry Wives of Windsor to my must read list.
Botanical Shakespeare will make a lovely gift for anyone who is interested in horticulture and literature.
The glossary at the end of the book, "Botanicals Defined," is chock full of fascinating information about each plant: what it is; how it was used; and some history, and interpretations. The bibliography and other information is available through the website: www.BotanicalShakespeare.com.
This collection is one to be read slowly and savored. I am, perhaps, like most people: familiar with Shakespeare's most popular works. I knew, for example, that Midsummer's Night Dream contained many plant references, but "...a rose by any other name..." from Romeo and Juliet was the only flower reference that came immediately to my mind. Yet there are dozens of other rose references in as the many different works.
Helen Mirren's foreword is informative and inspiring. I came away with a totally new appreciation and interest in the Bard, and am adding Merry Wives of Windsor to my must read list.
Botanical Shakespeare will make a lovely gift for anyone who is interested in horticulture and literature.
June 22, 2018
Absolutely GORGEOUS book. Everything from the cover to the font to, most obviously, the exquisite illustrations by Sumie Hasegawa Collins. Even if I wasn't interested in the Shakespeare quotes (which I am to varying degrees), I want to own this book to look at it all the time.
October 24, 2021
Prachtig.
September 28, 2021
I may be the only one here to be underwhelmed by this book, based on the reviews. Both subjects delight me, the cloth cover is very inviting, a forward by Helen Mirren seemed like a treat too, but is all fell short of expectations. Yes, the illustrations are beautiful, but the print quality was poor- and I'm shocked that no one seems to have noticed that here. As for the quotes- overused, truncated, and irrelevant selections. It's a perfect example of quantity over quality. This is, at best, a coffee table book that will look impressive if left untouched.
February 28, 2025
This is a wonderful book. It contains descriptions of the plants, locations found, and beautiful illustrations. My favorite parts are the delicate illustrations in here. I was a horticulture major many moons ago. I am moved by any herbal or botanical magazine, card deck, or tome.
September 20, 2020
The intro and definition sections are largely useless, but the illustrations are truly gorgeous.
July 26, 2021
Aesthetically gorgeous! Well curated. Perfect for any Shakespeare lover/collector. Also, wonderful for reference.
December 29, 2025
the perfect addition to every Shakespeare nerd’s collection! I wish the botanicals dictionary at the end was even longer
May 5, 2017
When I entered the giveaway for this book I had no idea it would be this gorgeous from cover to cover. I am still awed I won and to have it in my hands. As a lover of all things botanical and The Bard, why this lovely book is a treasure indeed. I simply LOVE it.
June 6, 2022
A beautiful book. The subtitle tells it all: all the flowers, fruits, etc. mentioned in Shakespeare are here, researched to discover their true identity, and beautifully depicted by Japanese artist Sumié Hasegawa-Collins. The flowers, etc. are listed in alphabetical order by common name and each mention in Shakespeare is given its quote, with the speaker's name and location in the text, whether play or poem. Each has at least one illustration, some several: several apples, lots of roses. At the back is a list of the plants with their history and description, sometimes giving the history of how they have been interpreted since Shakespeare's time. They include a lovely illustration of the scarlet pimpernel because even though it's never referenced in Shakespeare, one of his characters is named Pimpernel.
Reading all the quotes gets tiresome without the context, especially since several are repeated several times with each mention of a plant in a list: speaking of Ophelia, Gertrude mentions "crow-flowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples," each of which gets its picture, discussion and repeated quote.
Beautiful to look at for its content, but also for the book itself. The quality of the binding and paper make it a pleasure to handle. It would make a lovely addition to anyone's coffee table and a nice book to just pick up every once in a while to look at the illustrations and read the history in the back. An interesting addition if you like reading the plays. Now you'll know what the Adonis Flower is: Fritillary. That Mary-bud from Cymbeline is Marigold. Long purples or Dead men's fingers are cuckoo-pints or wild arum. Hemlock is in the same family as carrot. The introduction also gives a lot of interesting information.
I’ve mentioned the contents and the text, but the true star of the book is the lovely illustrations by Sumié Hasegawa-Collins.
The Foreword is by Helen Mirren, a well-known actress who has performed in many of Shakespeare’s play and is also a gardening enthusiast.
Reading all the quotes gets tiresome without the context, especially since several are repeated several times with each mention of a plant in a list: speaking of Ophelia, Gertrude mentions "crow-flowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples," each of which gets its picture, discussion and repeated quote.
Beautiful to look at for its content, but also for the book itself. The quality of the binding and paper make it a pleasure to handle. It would make a lovely addition to anyone's coffee table and a nice book to just pick up every once in a while to look at the illustrations and read the history in the back. An interesting addition if you like reading the plays. Now you'll know what the Adonis Flower is: Fritillary. That Mary-bud from Cymbeline is Marigold. Long purples or Dead men's fingers are cuckoo-pints or wild arum. Hemlock is in the same family as carrot. The introduction also gives a lot of interesting information.
I’ve mentioned the contents and the text, but the true star of the book is the lovely illustrations by Sumié Hasegawa-Collins.
The Foreword is by Helen Mirren, a well-known actress who has performed in many of Shakespeare’s play and is also a gardening enthusiast.
February 6, 2018
This book is gorgeous. The illustrations are amazing, the design is wonderful, the font is perfect.
This book truly is what the title says it is. It is an illustrated compendium of all the botanical things named in Shakespeare's works. But I feel it could have been laid out a little better.
For me the first and last 20 pages of the book are really all that I read. They contained the most information for me. The first 20 introduce you to the idea behind the book and the work behind the book. The last 20 pages actually go over the plants mentioned. For me this information would have been better situated on the page with the actual illustration of the plant, followed by the quotes from Shakespeare. All in all it was a bit disjointed. If you don't mind looking at the picture of the plant then reading some Shakespeare quotes completely out of context its a great book. I just wish the little paragraph of information had been put with the illustration so you would get the picture, the info, then the quote of each plant mentioned.
Overall its gorgeous, somewhat informational, and wonderful if you really love Shakespeare.
It is a bit disjointed if you are trying to see the plant mentioned, learn about the plant mentioned, and then read the quotes to better understand the usage of the work in Shakespeare's plays.
This book truly is what the title says it is. It is an illustrated compendium of all the botanical things named in Shakespeare's works. But I feel it could have been laid out a little better.
For me the first and last 20 pages of the book are really all that I read. They contained the most information for me. The first 20 introduce you to the idea behind the book and the work behind the book. The last 20 pages actually go over the plants mentioned. For me this information would have been better situated on the page with the actual illustration of the plant, followed by the quotes from Shakespeare. All in all it was a bit disjointed. If you don't mind looking at the picture of the plant then reading some Shakespeare quotes completely out of context its a great book. I just wish the little paragraph of information had been put with the illustration so you would get the picture, the info, then the quote of each plant mentioned.
Overall its gorgeous, somewhat informational, and wonderful if you really love Shakespeare.
It is a bit disjointed if you are trying to see the plant mentioned, learn about the plant mentioned, and then read the quotes to better understand the usage of the work in Shakespeare's plays.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2022
As its subtitle puts it, this one's a collection - with illustrations - of all the botanical elements (including mushrooms and toadstools, not strictly botanical) mentioned by Shakespeare in his works. Three-fourths of the book is taken up by Hasegawa-Collins's illustrations of these plants, arranged in alphabetical order. Each illustration is followed by the dialogues or lines containing references to that plant, from whichever play(s)/sonnet(s) Shakespeare used them in. Once all the plants are treated in this manner, comes yet another alphabetical listing, this time of those same plants, but with brief descriptions about them: where they grow, what they were used for in Shakespeare's time, their connotations and myths, and so on.
The illustrations are by far the best part of this book. They're lovely, and on their own, they would have made this book an easy 5-starrer. But they're let down by one simple problem with the text: the completely thoughtless arranging of the explanation of each plant right at the end. Why? Why was this done? It makes no sense to read the lines about a plant, and then to skip to the end of the book to read a short paragraph explaining that - especially when that paragraph could easily have fitted into that same page, below the lines it referred to.
Not at all user-friendly.
The illustrations are by far the best part of this book. They're lovely, and on their own, they would have made this book an easy 5-starrer. But they're let down by one simple problem with the text: the completely thoughtless arranging of the explanation of each plant right at the end. Why? Why was this done? It makes no sense to read the lines about a plant, and then to skip to the end of the book to read a short paragraph explaining that - especially when that paragraph could easily have fitted into that same page, below the lines it referred to.
Not at all user-friendly.
November 10, 2017
Botanical Shakespeare: An Illustrated Compendium of All the Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Trees, Seeds, and Grasses Cited by the World's Greatest Playwright by Gerit Quealy, and illustrator Sumie Hasegawa Collins is simply put, a beautiful book. If you love Shakespeare, this is a great book that highlights some of his most interesting quotes. If you love flowers, and all things botanical, this is a great book that delves deep into that area. If you are into great art, this is a great book, and if you are drawn to a combination of all of these things, this is the perfect book for you. This is not a sit down and read from cover to cover kind of book, but one that you can pick up, marvel at the beauty and read a few Shakespeare quotes. Simply gorgeous illustrations set this book apart, and the forward by Helen Mirren is a work of art in itself. A lovely book to keep out at all times to make it readily available to anyone who wants to peer inside, this book is highly recommended for a delightful diversion.
November 21, 2017
Botanical Shakespeare: An Illustrated Compendium of All the Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Trees, Seeds, and Grasses Cited by the World's Greatest Playwright by Gerit Quealy, and illustrator Sumie Hasegawa Collins is simply put, a beautiful book. If you love Shakespeare, this is a great book that highlights some of his most interesting quotes. If you love flowers, and all things botanical, this is a great book that delves deep into that area. If you are into great art, this is a great book, and if you are drawn to a combination of all of these things, this is the perfect book for you. This is not a sit down and read from cover to cover kind of book, but one that you can pick up, marvel at the beauty and read a few Shakespeare quotes. Simply gorgeous illustrations set this book apart, and the forward by Helen Mirren is a work of art in itself. A lovely book to keep out at all times to make it readily available to anyone who wants to peer inside, this book is highly recommended for a delightful diversion.
September 1, 2018
So I love Shakespeare, I love plants, and I love autographed things. So clearly, I had to have this. And oh my god. If you love Shakespeare, buy this. If you think Shakespeare's cool and you mostly just want something bougie looking to make you look smart, buy this. It's beautiful and wonderfully put together and altogether stunning. Quealy did a fantastic job of finding all of these quotes, and Collins similarly does a fantastic job with her illustrations.
It was amazing to see which plants Shakespeare mentioned the most, and which the least. Not only does Quealy include his plays, but his sonnets and longer poems as well. I can't really get over its beauty. When I have my own place, I dream of having a Shakespeare display and this is going to be one of the centerpieces, for obvious reasons. Stunning, magnificent, beautiful.
Review cross-listed here!
It was amazing to see which plants Shakespeare mentioned the most, and which the least. Not only does Quealy include his plays, but his sonnets and longer poems as well. I can't really get over its beauty. When I have my own place, I dream of having a Shakespeare display and this is going to be one of the centerpieces, for obvious reasons. Stunning, magnificent, beautiful.
Review cross-listed here!
May 19, 2020
Comienza con una breve introducción sobre la botánica y su auge durante la era isabelina y al final puedes encontrar un listado/glosario con definiciones de cada planta, hoja, hierba, fruto o árbol mencionados. Tal y como su titulo indica es una recopilación botánica de las citas, obras y poemas de William Shakespeare. La portada y sus detalles son fascinantes. Es un libro con unas ilustraciones botánicas preciosas, de la mano de Sumié Hasegawa con ellas cada planta, flor, fruto, árbol... que se menciona en cada obra de Shakespeare es ilustrada, acompañando a sus citas, las cuales indican, personaje, obra y acto.
A pesar de ser un libro que me ha fascinado por su belleza, creo que es más bien un libro de mesa de café, al lado del sofá o mesita de noche para disfrutarlo poco a poco o echarle un vistazo.
A pesar de ser un libro que me ha fascinado por su belleza, creo que es más bien un libro de mesa de café, al lado del sofá o mesita de noche para disfrutarlo poco a poco o echarle un vistazo.
December 4, 2017
Botanical Shakespeare is a book recommended by a friend of mine, and I bought it thinking I would have a passing interest as a Shakespeare fan and would flick through from time to time. I hadn’t anticipated how captivated I would be by the depth of research that has obviously gone into it, and the sometimes funny and often profound quotes that made me reflect back to some of my favorite passages from Shakespeare’s writing. As has been mentioned by other reviewers the quality of the book stands out a mile, with superior quality paper and cover, and the high standard of illustrations carry off the writing just perfectly. Really happy with my purchase, and I’m wondering what Quealy will put together to follow up this masterpiece.
February 15, 2022
This is a beautiful book. It starts with a lovely forward written by Helen Mirren. Then an introduction that is lively and informative. The main part of the book contains illustrations of the plants in vibrant colors with quotes from Shakespeare referencing said plants. (Nice long sections for apples and roses!) Then in the back are definitions of the plants (alternate names, medicinal and food uses, symbolism, etc.) My only issue is that it would have been nice to have the definitions with the illustrations, rather than having to flip back and forth. There is room for interpretation, and there is some contradiction. Viewing a picture of corn, and then finding out that corn was a generic term for grain, for example.
November 17, 2017
Botanical Shakespeare is a book I bought to give away as a gift, but after it arrived I flicked through and now am compelled to keep this for myself and buy another to gift.
The pages are beautifully printed with clear explanations about the various plants, and some stunning artwork. I’d never considered the association and subsequent meaning behind plants in Shakespeare’s work. Some philosophical musings, and others quite humorous, but always entertaining and insightful. Very much, for me at least, a coffee table book, but I’ve already found guests flipping through and conversations start associated with what they were also surprised to find.
An excellent addition to any home.
The pages are beautifully printed with clear explanations about the various plants, and some stunning artwork. I’d never considered the association and subsequent meaning behind plants in Shakespeare’s work. Some philosophical musings, and others quite humorous, but always entertaining and insightful. Very much, for me at least, a coffee table book, but I’ve already found guests flipping through and conversations start associated with what they were also surprised to find.
An excellent addition to any home.
November 27, 2017
This is probably the best quality book I’ve purchased in a long time. Yes the quality of writing and illustrations is superb, but the paper quality and overall production is really quite exquisite. Every page is packed with information and colourful pictures, and despite me thinking reading for a little while I’d get tired of the subject matter that didn’t happen at all. I’d bought this to gift to a friend, but will now have to buy a second copy as I’m keeping this one for myself.
A great addition to any family bookshelf, and the neighbours were quite engrossed when they popped in earlier too.
A great addition to any family bookshelf, and the neighbours were quite engrossed when they popped in earlier too.
December 4, 2017
I’m not generally a fan of non-fiction or reference books, but I did find this to be pretty entertaining. It’s a long time since I read any Shakespeare myself, but when leafing through Botanical Shakespeare I found a lot of what I’d read in my youth returning to me after reading some of the quotes in here. The whole book really does look marvellous and the quotes used are indeed rather pithy. All in all I don’t see this as a book I’ll sit and read right through like a would a novel, but it’s one I do think I’ll keep returning to when I have a few minutes here or there, so I’m glad I bought it.
December 12, 2017
I first saw this book at a friend’s place and was quite taken by the watercolor images on each page. Then I began reading the Shakespeare quotes attributed to each of the plants and was reminded of some of the stories I read when I was at college. Being so enamored with the book I bought my own copy and I have to say I love it. Never would I have thought a book of this type could really hold my interest the way it does, but how wrong I’d have been. This was a really great buy and so different from anything else in my collection.
October 17, 2019
This book was disappointing. It probably works best in print where you can really appreciate the art. As an ebook, it seemed repetitive and it was hard to increase the size of the art without impacting quality — closeups were pixelated and detail was a challenge to view. Also, the author saves information about the plant until the end, but it would be much better actually matched up with each image and quote(s). Additional historical context and use of the plants would have also been welcome. As an aficionado of both botany and Shakespeare, this was a letdown.
October 20, 2017
This isn't really a book to READ, as in sit and read it, it's more a book to buy and have because it's really pretty and cool. Botanical paintings of every plant mentioned in Shakespeare with the matching quotes. It's good reference for those times that you MUST find a Shakespearean quote about, say apples, or violets. Whip this book out and there they are. So in other words this book is pretty useless about 99.9% of the time. But did I mention it's really pretty and cool?
July 8, 2020
Let's be clear - this is a compendium of Shakespeare's quotes about plants, paired with gorgeous artwork. There's a lovely, if brief, introduction about the genius of Shakespeare and his impact on society, but otherwise, it's a herbarium of sorts, without any actual discussion of the herbs and plants themselves. However, if you enjoy reading Shakespearean quotations and looking at gorgeous artwork, this book is for you.
December 14, 2020
This marvellous book should have been an early Christmas present and, being a compendium, should be enjoyed Day day by day and for consultation, a sort of coffe table boo, so to say ... However it’s such an interesting and fascinating read that I could not resist to get to the last page! An absolute must for Shakespeare lovers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 55 reviews