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A Rose By Any Name
Encompassing art, literature, science, technology, history, and everything in between, the stories behind rose varieties include enough curiosities, romance, tragedy, wit, mystery, scandal, and earthy delights to satisfy even those who would never dream of actually tending a plant. in addition to names, readers will learn that the perfume of 'Rosa Gallica' wafted through Pliny's Roman villa and lulled Marie Antoinette on the night before her wedding; that 'Eglantine' is threaded through Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream ; that roses in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were mainly raised for medicinal purposes; and that the world of rose-naming rights is one of complicated and fiercely guarded copyrights and patents. With full-color art throughout, this eclectic little volume is a must-have for die-hard rosarians, and for the less rose-obsessed, it's simply a marvelous miscellany starring what is arguably the world's most popular flower.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 24, 2010
It’s no secret that I love roses, especially heirloom roses. I love their gorgeous flowers. I love their heavenly scents. I love their toughness. And I love their names. Residing in my garden are Baronne Prevost, Cecile Brunner, General Jacqueminot, Mme. Pierre Oger, Mme. Plantier, Therese Bugnet and Zephirine Drouhin. Who were these people and why were roses named after them?
Douglas Brenner and Stephen Scanniello set out to solve those mysteries. They initially chose about four dozen roses with interesting histories. But the problem with roses and their stories is that when you start out discussing one tale, it leads to another story about another rose which leads to yet another story about another rose, etc. By the time the authors finished, the four dozen roses had become over 1200.
It’s those stories that make this book so fascinating. Rather than a dry list of names each followed by a short explanation of the person/place/thing for which the rose was named, we are treated to tales of danger, intrigue, humor and pathos, all with historical tidbits thrown in to put it into context.
We visit gardens that no longer exist and gardens that are still going strong. We learn about the game “Rose Alphabet” wherein players must come up with rose names for each letter of the alphabet. Also included are several recipes using rose petals or hips along with the story of the discovery of rose oil in India.
Most of all, it’s the people and their stories. Gods and goddesses, kings and queens, saints and sinners. Presidents, war heroes, painters, fashion designers, actors and actresses. Humbler folk such as family members of rose breeders.
The authors debunk a few legends. My personal favorite is the quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: “I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.” Not true, unfortunately.
A glossary of rose and gardening terms is included as well as a bibliography, both very helpful. The lack of an index was the one glaring omission in this otherwise wonderful book. There is no way to look up a specific rose.
As for the “people” growing in my gardens? Five of them are covered, but you will have to read the book yourself to find out which ones and the stories behind them.
Douglas Brenner and Stephen Scanniello set out to solve those mysteries. They initially chose about four dozen roses with interesting histories. But the problem with roses and their stories is that when you start out discussing one tale, it leads to another story about another rose which leads to yet another story about another rose, etc. By the time the authors finished, the four dozen roses had become over 1200.
It’s those stories that make this book so fascinating. Rather than a dry list of names each followed by a short explanation of the person/place/thing for which the rose was named, we are treated to tales of danger, intrigue, humor and pathos, all with historical tidbits thrown in to put it into context.
We visit gardens that no longer exist and gardens that are still going strong. We learn about the game “Rose Alphabet” wherein players must come up with rose names for each letter of the alphabet. Also included are several recipes using rose petals or hips along with the story of the discovery of rose oil in India.
Most of all, it’s the people and their stories. Gods and goddesses, kings and queens, saints and sinners. Presidents, war heroes, painters, fashion designers, actors and actresses. Humbler folk such as family members of rose breeders.
The authors debunk a few legends. My personal favorite is the quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: “I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.” Not true, unfortunately.
A glossary of rose and gardening terms is included as well as a bibliography, both very helpful. The lack of an index was the one glaring omission in this otherwise wonderful book. There is no way to look up a specific rose.
As for the “people” growing in my gardens? Five of them are covered, but you will have to read the book yourself to find out which ones and the stories behind them.
December 12, 2008
This was an entertaining and informative read. Brenner and Scanniello obviously know their stuff and clearly love the subject of roses and their names. Their enthusiasm is infectious; I found myself far more intrigued by the subject I had initially expected! I found myself jotting down the names of roses so I could later look them up and see for myself what they look like. It's a light book, too, in that they maintain their sense of humor throughout, occasionally poking fun at rosarians (among others). In their enthusiasm they often off into tangents, although that's hardly surprising given how excited they obviously are to share their knowledge!
My only complaint (and the reason I gave this three stars instead of four or five; I would have given it 3.5 if that had been an option) is the organization -- or rather, lack thereof. Each chapter is titled with a name of rose, and so the chapter begins with a description of said rose, its history, etc. From there the topic veers from the title rose to a discussion of any other rose that may fit into that particular "category." For example, the chapter "Barbra Streisand" moves into a conversation on other roses named for celebrities; the chapter "Gourmet Popcorn" (one of my favorite chapters!) then goes on to talk about other roses named for food. It was rarely clear, though, in which direction the chapter was going to head. In some cases I had to backtrack and reread sections before I caught on. Some of this confusion can be attributed to their occasional rambling, but that would less of an issue if the subject of each chapter was made clear in the beginning. Subtitles would help immensely (and wouldn't interfere with the discussion).
Overall, though, this was definitely worth reading, and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in roses, gardening, and/or etymology!
My only complaint (and the reason I gave this three stars instead of four or five; I would have given it 3.5 if that had been an option) is the organization -- or rather, lack thereof. Each chapter is titled with a name of rose, and so the chapter begins with a description of said rose, its history, etc. From there the topic veers from the title rose to a discussion of any other rose that may fit into that particular "category." For example, the chapter "Barbra Streisand" moves into a conversation on other roses named for celebrities; the chapter "Gourmet Popcorn" (one of my favorite chapters!) then goes on to talk about other roses named for food. It was rarely clear, though, in which direction the chapter was going to head. In some cases I had to backtrack and reread sections before I caught on. Some of this confusion can be attributed to their occasional rambling, but that would less of an issue if the subject of each chapter was made clear in the beginning. Subtitles would help immensely (and wouldn't interfere with the discussion).
Overall, though, this was definitely worth reading, and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in roses, gardening, and/or etymology!
September 28, 2022
A book of rose trivia. It is a fun book for browsing through rather than reading cover to cover. The roll call of rose names in each chapter can be a little mind numbing but there was always something new about roses to learn. Sometimes I would read a whole chapter, other times I would flip through hoping to find roses I have in my garden. Filled with illustrations which unfortunately are black and white in my Early Reviewer copy. I would like to see the finished book someday. I also wish there was an index of rose names in the back. There are so many roses mentioned it is hard to find comments about a particular one.
September 4, 2017
A collection of historical trivia, much of it interesting, from the earliest days of rose growing to the present. A bit random since it's done in alphabetical order.
March 22, 2025
Ever wanted to know how the 'Empress Josephine' rose got its name or who 'Just Joey' was named after? Do you want to fill your garden with roses named after US Presidents, fictional characters or famous musicians? If so, this is the book for you.
Each chapter in this book is named after a specific rose, arranged in alphabetical order. After giving an introduction to that rose, the authors spend the rest of the chapter talking about roses which are thematically linked to that one. The book is well illustrated with representations of roses in advertising, art and literature among other areas, and the authors have also included a number of stories and interesting facts about roses.
The idiosyncratic layout and the number of roses named probably makes this book most suited for a 'browsing' or 'coffee break' book rather than a straightforward readthrough. It's a beautifully designed little volume that would make a great addition to a rose lover's library.
Each chapter in this book is named after a specific rose, arranged in alphabetical order. After giving an introduction to that rose, the authors spend the rest of the chapter talking about roses which are thematically linked to that one. The book is well illustrated with representations of roses in advertising, art and literature among other areas, and the authors have also included a number of stories and interesting facts about roses.
The idiosyncratic layout and the number of roses named probably makes this book most suited for a 'browsing' or 'coffee break' book rather than a straightforward readthrough. It's a beautifully designed little volume that would make a great addition to a rose lover's library.
August 31, 2022
I am not a gardener & have no experience growing roses but something about this book caught my eye when I saw it in a rose-themed display at the library. Turned out to be both interesting & informative, although, for me, best read in small doses as otherwise the constant stream of names became overwhelming. Probably would have gotten more out of the book if I knew more about roses, but I am still happy that I stumbled upon this
December 2, 2008
I won an advanced copy of this book on goodreads.com, and honestly, I never would have read it if I hadn't won it!
To me, a rose is a rose is a rose. After reading this book, I guess I would have to restate that and say something to the effect of "a rose is unique to a rose." (Not the best worded sentence ever written, but I'm trying to stick close to the original idiom.) There are over 15,000 species of roses, and each one has its own name - I never realized that before this non-fiction book, honestly. When I previously looked at a rose, it admittingly looked like other roses, but I will never think like that again. I am not a gardener, but now I wish I was!
The book discusses less than one-hundred of the 15,000 names of rose species. Each one has more history behind it than one might initially realize. For example, did you know the Burglar Rose was so named due to a prowler being trapped in its creeping vines? Did you know that there is an alphabetical competition where competitors take turns naming off species of roses, and that X and Z actually have several roses starting with those letters?
The book also includes other interesting features. There are photographs, images of paintings, a recipe for rose water, and a poem, among other things. I was disappointed that the advanced copy of this book did not have color photographs, although I assume the final edition will not be in black and white.
The end of the book has a glossary, which is helpful, but there is no glossary to cross-reference the TYPES of roses named in the book. Each chapter focuses on one type of rose and its history, but many others are referenced in the chapter. If I wanted to look up a specific rose to learn its history, I would be unable to do so.
Since I do not garden, I don't know much about the conditions in which flowers bloom, how long they survive, etc. This book assumes that the reader knows that, and I can't imagine many non-rose connoisseurs would read this, but here's my thought: different species of roses would have slightly different cultivating needs, so perhaps those should be included as well. But this is not a book on growing roses, it's about the naming of roses, so perhaps my entire point is void.
In conclusion, this book is an interesting history lesson on the naming of roses - love, scandal, and humor are all involved in the naming of what is now considered a rose of romance in our culture. It's an interesting read for those that appreciate the beauty of roses.
To me, a rose is a rose is a rose. After reading this book, I guess I would have to restate that and say something to the effect of "a rose is unique to a rose." (Not the best worded sentence ever written, but I'm trying to stick close to the original idiom.) There are over 15,000 species of roses, and each one has its own name - I never realized that before this non-fiction book, honestly. When I previously looked at a rose, it admittingly looked like other roses, but I will never think like that again. I am not a gardener, but now I wish I was!
The book discusses less than one-hundred of the 15,000 names of rose species. Each one has more history behind it than one might initially realize. For example, did you know the Burglar Rose was so named due to a prowler being trapped in its creeping vines? Did you know that there is an alphabetical competition where competitors take turns naming off species of roses, and that X and Z actually have several roses starting with those letters?
The book also includes other interesting features. There are photographs, images of paintings, a recipe for rose water, and a poem, among other things. I was disappointed that the advanced copy of this book did not have color photographs, although I assume the final edition will not be in black and white.
The end of the book has a glossary, which is helpful, but there is no glossary to cross-reference the TYPES of roses named in the book. Each chapter focuses on one type of rose and its history, but many others are referenced in the chapter. If I wanted to look up a specific rose to learn its history, I would be unable to do so.
Since I do not garden, I don't know much about the conditions in which flowers bloom, how long they survive, etc. This book assumes that the reader knows that, and I can't imagine many non-rose connoisseurs would read this, but here's my thought: different species of roses would have slightly different cultivating needs, so perhaps those should be included as well. But this is not a book on growing roses, it's about the naming of roses, so perhaps my entire point is void.
In conclusion, this book is an interesting history lesson on the naming of roses - love, scandal, and humor are all involved in the naming of what is now considered a rose of romance in our culture. It's an interesting read for those that appreciate the beauty of roses.
December 4, 2008
I'm going to start with a disclaimer: I haven't really finished this book.
I think it's a real shame that "A Rose by Any Name" isn't being released until February. It would make a beautiful gift book for any rose lover. It's chock-full of rose trivia and little true stories about the origins of various rose names. I'm sure it's going to be an absolutely gorgeous feast for the eyes with all the illustrations.
That said, I was disappointed in the ARC of this book. "A Rose By Any Name" isn't the kind of book you really read. It's a book you look at and maybe read a snippet here or there. As a reader, I didn't find it to be organized very well. The chapters are the names different roses, such as Helen Keller and Barbara Streisand. Each chapter starts out with a story about how that rose got its name then it devolves into a litany of similarly named roses and anything of interest kind of gets lost in the naming of the roses. The writing just didn't seem very focused and the alphabetical chapters didn't work well at all. As a reader, I would have preferred a different format. Perhaps a chronological history of the rose would have worked.
While this book didn't work for me as a reader, it would absolutely work for me as a rose lover in the final version. I've always liked Workman Publishing for the quality of their illustrations and if "A Rose By Any Name" is up to their usual printing standards, it will not disappoint. It will look lovely on the coffee table and will be a delight to pick up and sample through. And, I did learn a few new things about roses in the chapters that I did read. I learned that Helen Keller loved roses because of their fragrance and their feel. I learned that Barbara Streisand insisted on testing the four finalists for the rose that was to bear her name in her enormous rose garden for two years before deciding which one it would be. She wanted to make sure it would work well in real gardens.
"A Rose By Any Name" will be coming out too late to give to your favorite rose lover for this Christmas. However, keep it in mind for Mothers Day and for next Christmas. Your favorite rose lover will love you for giving it to them.
I think it's a real shame that "A Rose by Any Name" isn't being released until February. It would make a beautiful gift book for any rose lover. It's chock-full of rose trivia and little true stories about the origins of various rose names. I'm sure it's going to be an absolutely gorgeous feast for the eyes with all the illustrations.
That said, I was disappointed in the ARC of this book. "A Rose By Any Name" isn't the kind of book you really read. It's a book you look at and maybe read a snippet here or there. As a reader, I didn't find it to be organized very well. The chapters are the names different roses, such as Helen Keller and Barbara Streisand. Each chapter starts out with a story about how that rose got its name then it devolves into a litany of similarly named roses and anything of interest kind of gets lost in the naming of the roses. The writing just didn't seem very focused and the alphabetical chapters didn't work well at all. As a reader, I would have preferred a different format. Perhaps a chronological history of the rose would have worked.
While this book didn't work for me as a reader, it would absolutely work for me as a rose lover in the final version. I've always liked Workman Publishing for the quality of their illustrations and if "A Rose By Any Name" is up to their usual printing standards, it will not disappoint. It will look lovely on the coffee table and will be a delight to pick up and sample through. And, I did learn a few new things about roses in the chapters that I did read. I learned that Helen Keller loved roses because of their fragrance and their feel. I learned that Barbara Streisand insisted on testing the four finalists for the rose that was to bear her name in her enormous rose garden for two years before deciding which one it would be. She wanted to make sure it would work well in real gardens.
"A Rose By Any Name" will be coming out too late to give to your favorite rose lover for this Christmas. However, keep it in mind for Mothers Day and for next Christmas. Your favorite rose lover will love you for giving it to them.
February 26, 2015
This is a fun little book that would appeal to several types of reader. Gardeners, especially rose freaks like me, will enjoy it. Name lovers and wordplay mavens will love it. Cultural historians will find it of interest. This book is brimful of neat factoids about roses, the celebrities who have loved them and grown them, the nurserymen who live and die by creating new blooms and the processes by which roses are named.
In the Book of Genesis, God has Adam name all the plants and animals. Adam must have been a rock-brakin' wonder at naming, because there are approximately fifteen thousand varieties of roses alone. Ya gotta love some of the wonderful names in this book. Where did they come up with "Tipsy Imperial Concubine" and "Cuisse de Nymphe Emue"? (Thigh of aroused nymph) Some people obviously have too much leisure time! Many roses have more than one name, for example, in prissy old English-speaking countries, Cuisse de Nymphe is "Maiden's Blush" and a lovely rose she is. Roses have been named for famous people, like "Helen Keller" and "Madame Curie"; famous places such as "Souvenir de Malmaison" and "Gloire de France"; food and drink as in "Cherry Cola" and "Orange Marmalade" and even cars like "Chrysler Imperial". Roses have named for Gods, like "Hebe's Lip" or "Zeus"; mere heroes, such as "Jeanne d'Arc" and "Audie Murphy" and the families of rose growers, such as "Papa Meilland" and "Frau Karl Drutchski". They have been named for cultural phenomena such as "Radio" and the ever popular and beautiful "Peace". These names encompass all of history and culture, they ring with old stories, customs and love. This book was light-hearted fun, but the author sneaked around and educated me while I wasn't lookin'---Hey! No fair!
In the Book of Genesis, God has Adam name all the plants and animals. Adam must have been a rock-brakin' wonder at naming, because there are approximately fifteen thousand varieties of roses alone. Ya gotta love some of the wonderful names in this book. Where did they come up with "Tipsy Imperial Concubine" and "Cuisse de Nymphe Emue"? (Thigh of aroused nymph) Some people obviously have too much leisure time! Many roses have more than one name, for example, in prissy old English-speaking countries, Cuisse de Nymphe is "Maiden's Blush" and a lovely rose she is. Roses have been named for famous people, like "Helen Keller" and "Madame Curie"; famous places such as "Souvenir de Malmaison" and "Gloire de France"; food and drink as in "Cherry Cola" and "Orange Marmalade" and even cars like "Chrysler Imperial". Roses have named for Gods, like "Hebe's Lip" or "Zeus"; mere heroes, such as "Jeanne d'Arc" and "Audie Murphy" and the families of rose growers, such as "Papa Meilland" and "Frau Karl Drutchski". They have been named for cultural phenomena such as "Radio" and the ever popular and beautiful "Peace". These names encompass all of history and culture, they ring with old stories, customs and love. This book was light-hearted fun, but the author sneaked around and educated me while I wasn't lookin'---Hey! No fair!
September 6, 2012
This was a good book if you love roses. If you don't, well then... I'd skip it. But since I'm a huge fan of roses, I gobbled it up.
Basically this book picks 48 roses and tells the story of how they got their names. Many if not most of them are inspired by tales of real life romance. Love stories of the ages. Sometimes it's sweet love, young love, puppy love, sometimes it's passionate love, scintillating love, clandestine love, sometimes it's familial love, platonic love, the tale of an epic friendship. For the roses who got their names from that sort of story, it reminds the reader that no fictional love can stand up to the true epic love stories from human history. That fiction will always and ever take it's cues from real life.
For the roses that did not get their names from stories of one of the most all encompassing emotions in humanity, their stories are still entertaining. Sometimes they're snippets of history, sometimes the story of why a rose named after a famous person was chosen, 2 roses got their names from war. I guess THAT gives new meaning to "Every rose has it's thorn.".
For the rosarian, rosaphile or just the person who likes to have a bouquet of roses on the table to smell... this is the book for you. My only caveat is that this book is perhaps enjoyed best by reading it a bit at a time. Read about 2 roses, maybe 3, a day and then put the book down. Otherwise it can get a bit... pendantic.
Basically this book picks 48 roses and tells the story of how they got their names. Many if not most of them are inspired by tales of real life romance. Love stories of the ages. Sometimes it's sweet love, young love, puppy love, sometimes it's passionate love, scintillating love, clandestine love, sometimes it's familial love, platonic love, the tale of an epic friendship. For the roses who got their names from that sort of story, it reminds the reader that no fictional love can stand up to the true epic love stories from human history. That fiction will always and ever take it's cues from real life.
For the roses that did not get their names from stories of one of the most all encompassing emotions in humanity, their stories are still entertaining. Sometimes they're snippets of history, sometimes the story of why a rose named after a famous person was chosen, 2 roses got their names from war. I guess THAT gives new meaning to "Every rose has it's thorn.".
For the rosarian, rosaphile or just the person who likes to have a bouquet of roses on the table to smell... this is the book for you. My only caveat is that this book is perhaps enjoyed best by reading it a bit at a time. Read about 2 roses, maybe 3, a day and then put the book down. Otherwise it can get a bit... pendantic.
March 19, 2009
This lovely little book is all about the history of roses and their names. As someone who knows almost nothing about roses, this book was a fascinating read. Each chapter is titled with the name of a rose, and the authors tell the story of that particular rose's name. The rest of each chapter is then spent explaining the names of other roses which got their names for similar reasons. Each chapter ends up with at least a dozen rose names explained. There are chapters on roses named after Presidents, royalty, celebrities, food, sports, and saints. I had no idea that there was a world of rose creators out there, vying for the right to name their hybrid creations. It gives me the urge to create a garden based on all peace-related rose names, or a garden full of Shakespeare-themed roses. The book has a very handy index in the back, so that you can look up any rose you are curious about. This book would be a terrific gift for any garden or rose-lover.
February 5, 2015
This was an early review copy. It is a delightful book filled with wonderful information and tidbits regarding the history of the rose.
In my younger days I had a yard filled with lovely perennials, though I only had one or two rose bushes. Gardening became too time consuming (and difficult for the back) and thus now I only have a small patch of lovely flowers.
However, after reading this delightful book filled with information about the many names of roses and how they were given their moniker, I'm tempted to grow roses.
The cover of the book is lovely and invites the reader to turn the pages. Sadly, the review copy does not have color plates of the flowers, but the well written descriptions and the historical stories told kept me engrossed till the end.
Highly recommended,, not only for those who garden, but those who enjoy flowers!
Five Stars
In my younger days I had a yard filled with lovely perennials, though I only had one or two rose bushes. Gardening became too time consuming (and difficult for the back) and thus now I only have a small patch of lovely flowers.
However, after reading this delightful book filled with information about the many names of roses and how they were given their moniker, I'm tempted to grow roses.
The cover of the book is lovely and invites the reader to turn the pages. Sadly, the review copy does not have color plates of the flowers, but the well written descriptions and the historical stories told kept me engrossed till the end.
Highly recommended,, not only for those who garden, but those who enjoy flowers!
Five Stars
June 26, 2016
This got better as I continued to read. It discussed a whole lot more than just how the flowers got their names. It covered why banquet halls and confessionals have roses carved into them (under the rose = discretion or keeping a secret), why we plant roses at graves, how rose attar was discovered, Catholic symbolism for roses (red = passion of Christ,white = purity/ virginity,yellow = wisdom, also popes have been giving people and parishes yellow roses for over 1000 yrs!), how rosaries got their name (in Latin it means rose garden, why roses are at weddings (they are the flower of the god of marriage), how the rose bowl came about, and so so much more. I am so glad I finally finished this! It took like 2 renewals and 2 months, but I did it!
The pictures were as lovely as the roses themselves in here, and written to inspire a love for roses I didn't know I had.
The pictures were as lovely as the roses themselves in here, and written to inspire a love for roses I didn't know I had.
December 5, 2008
Filled with facts on everything from cosmetics to history, this book has something in it for everyone, not just avid gardeners. Even if you randomly flip through it, whichever page you land on is sure to have some fascinating tidbit. Did you know that Helen Keller acted in the 1919 silent film "Deliverance"? Did you know that the rose named after John Wayne is noted for its 'fruity' fragrance? Me neither, but I was delighted to read about it! I have a small rose garden, and after reading this book I am inspired to add many more varieties. The only downside to this edition is that it doesn't have an index to all the different roses mentioned, making it difficult to return to the entry for a particular rose.
May 17, 2009
I am certainly not a "die-hard rosarian", but I am an avid gardener, and have been known to spend a lazy winter afternoon daydreaming over the Jackson & Perkins catalog.
It's a nice little bundle of rose trivia. Set up in short thematic chapters, it's an easy book to just pick up, open at random, and read a little when you feel like it. The advance copy I read was printed entirely in black and white, but my understanding is that the final book will be printed in color. The book is packed with illustrations, and will certainly be very visually stunning in its final form.
It's not really a serious reference book, or really the kind of book I think most people would buy for themselves, but it comes across as a perfect gift for someone who loves roses.
It's a nice little bundle of rose trivia. Set up in short thematic chapters, it's an easy book to just pick up, open at random, and read a little when you feel like it. The advance copy I read was printed entirely in black and white, but my understanding is that the final book will be printed in color. The book is packed with illustrations, and will certainly be very visually stunning in its final form.
It's not really a serious reference book, or really the kind of book I think most people would buy for themselves, but it comes across as a perfect gift for someone who loves roses.
December 10, 2008
I gave this book four stars, although that really only applies to those who like non-fiction, or love learning the mythology behind flower names, or just happen to freak out on roses.
I loved that it encompassed history, and politics, love stories and the like. I had an advance copy, but will definitely seek out the released copy to view the photographs and pictures.
Teaser trivia: You know the red rose imagery in the film American Beauty. You know the color of the red roses on the seminal Grateful Dead album by the same name. What color is an American Beauty rose?
Great effort by some folks who really dig roses. I like roses. This book makes me want to have one of every possible kind. It makes me want to come up with the perfect rose name.
I loved that it encompassed history, and politics, love stories and the like. I had an advance copy, but will definitely seek out the released copy to view the photographs and pictures.
Teaser trivia: You know the red rose imagery in the film American Beauty. You know the color of the red roses on the seminal Grateful Dead album by the same name. What color is an American Beauty rose?
Great effort by some folks who really dig roses. I like roses. This book makes me want to have one of every possible kind. It makes me want to come up with the perfect rose name.
December 8, 2008
I am finding this to be very interesting. I have learned some history on different types of roses as well as people who developed new breeds and its just a hodge poge of information on roses.
I have marked this one as read although I have not made it all the way through because it is one I will have on hand to read through or look up for quite a while (especially come planting time)as when its cooler outside i like to sit on my bedroom porch and read, so what better things to read to the junipers, roses and carnations then this.
I cant wait to see the color version (although i wont be buying it since i already have this copy) just to see its full and completed look.
I have marked this one as read although I have not made it all the way through because it is one I will have on hand to read through or look up for quite a while (especially come planting time)as when its cooler outside i like to sit on my bedroom porch and read, so what better things to read to the junipers, roses and carnations then this.
I cant wait to see the color version (although i wont be buying it since i already have this copy) just to see its full and completed look.
June 20, 2011
I kept this book on my bedside table for months. Each chapter was just the right length & complete in itself; perfect for bedtime reading. I see other reviews have criticized the book for not having an index (which my copy does so maybe it was added later...?) & for no obvious progression thru the chapters (which would be true of almost any book of essays, it's not like a novel where a plot builds), but as you can probably guess I did not have these concerns. I found it highly enjoyable from cover to cover. My only complaint would be too much information got crammed into the end of each chapter; I would have wanted all those small pieces to be chapters of their own.
December 14, 2008
I'll start out by fully admitting that I did not read this whole book--I skipped around, sampled, and savored. This book is incredible. It's literally the history of the names of roughly 1200 (of the 15,000 that exist today) rose varieties. The stories are far more interesting than I ever dreamed they could be. I can't wait to see the finished book (I had the ARC)--the illustrations and photographs are going to be AMAZING. There is politics, intrigue, flattery, mockery, and espionage involved. Who knew?!
November 24, 2008
I thought at first this was a book about the language of flowers but I was wrong and I am sort of glad.
This book gives you a history of Roses and their names and who they are names for.
I knew Barbara Streisand had a rose but never knew Rosie O'Donnell had one or Whoopi Goldberg.
This is a very interesting book but I do wish someone would write one on the meanings of the flower names ie:Daliah = ?
People used to know these things.
This book gives you a history of Roses and their names and who they are names for.
I knew Barbara Streisand had a rose but never knew Rosie O'Donnell had one or Whoopi Goldberg.
This is a very interesting book but I do wish someone would write one on the meanings of the flower names ie:Daliah = ?
People used to know these things.
April 5, 2009
A Rose by Any Name would be a great book to receive if you enjoy gardening or history. It is clearly well-researched and offers much insight to the reader. As a flower novice, I was nearly overwhelmed by the importance and significance of the rose. Finally, the obsession of some makes sense to me. The delight and captivation that societies and individuals have had for the rose is expressed and shown in clever detail.
April 19, 2011
This little book has just about all you wanted to know about roses. Okay, it doesn't have anything in here about ideal growing conditions or how to get rid of aphids, but it does have charming little stories about the histories of the most common roses. Full of pictures, the ones on the cover answered some of my questions, as a novice to roses, about what an "apothecary rose' looks like, for instance. My only objection is that it ought to be scratch and sniff!
November 26, 2008
I won this little book in a GoodReads giveaway. What a delightful book. A book to page through and read a little here and a little there and soon you've finished. There's a lot of trivia and I found out that there's more to naming a rose than I could have imagined. Also was brimming with the passionate (some might say obsessive) interest by rose fanciers to create and display and name roses.
January 7, 2009
This is such an interesting book. I feel like it's an encyclopedia/coffee table book/curl up on the couch during a rainy day with tea and read book.
Disclosure: I did win a free copy, so it might affect how much I like this book (after all I like things that are free... especially books).
BUT I genuinely liked the read.
Disclosure: I did win a free copy, so it might affect how much I like this book (after all I like things that are free... especially books).
BUT I genuinely liked the read.
December 26, 2013
This was a wonderfully fascinating history of roses. I grew up with a grandfather who tended his roses as if they were his children and the results were spectacular. The final printing of this book will also be spectacular as it will contain the color images to display the beauty of the large number of roses the authors show and share history about.
September 27, 2009
This little book would make a nice gift for anyone you know that loves roses. I didn't read the whole thing. I bounced around through the book, reading the sections with illustrations that I thought were the most beautiful. I actually learned a lot, and wish I could have read more before having to take it back to the library.
Want to read
February 10, 2009I won this in one of those first reads giveaways and it just came in the mail yesterday. I started reading the introduction, and it sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, trivia and fun facts and stuff. It promises to tell you how roses get (and got) their names, like "Santa Claus" mini roses.
April 10, 2010
I received this book from First Reads many moons ago and finally had a chance to finish it. I learned a ton about about a trillion kinds of roses, and it would be nice to see this book in full color (the galley was black-and-white).
Want to read
November 14, 2008Won it on goodreads.com giveaways.
February 16, 2009
Good in small doses. Perhaps most useful as an entertaining reference for looking up your favorite roses.
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