By Any Other Name: A Cultural History of the Rose

‘Fascinating material, surveyed with relish and acumen.’ -- Times Literary Supplement ‘Fascinating. Morley moves effortlessly from ancient Greece and Rome to the latest research in neurobiology, taking in alchemy and Pre-Raphaelite art, Modernist poetry and the Grateful Dead along the way. I’ll never look at a rose in quite the same way again.’ -- Adrian Tinniswood, author of Behind the Throne ‘Morley’s book is, in part, the story of how humans came to raise roses so consistently and abundantly that we demand them even in freezing February. First, though, By Any Other Name recounts the love affair with a flower that drove us to want to do that in the first place.’ -- Wall Street Journal ‘An intellectual and artistic journey… digging around the history of how roses have become entangled with human life. By Any Other Name will be a source of inspiration for us.’ -- Kim Wook-Kyun, President of the South Korea Rose Society ‘Quite brilliant… A powerful reminder of how humanity simply cannot exist without the support of nature’s beauty represented by this simple shrub.’ -- Jonny Norton, Head Gardener at Mottisfont Abbey ‘By Any Other Name…explores the many facets that make the rose stand out from the rest. Morley expertly crafts the story of the rose from its humble beginnings to its present reality.’ * Washington Gardener * ‘From the etymology of its name to the breeders’ search for perfection, via its role in poetry, prose and art, rose growers with a penchant for learning will find this a satisfying read.’ -- Choice