This remarkable book reveals the history of the rose through the tale of 40 of the most popular and interesting species and hybrids. Arranged chronologically in the order in which a particular rose arrived in European gardens, the book also covers the history of the layout of rose gardens, discusses the various myths that have grown up about the history and introduction of roses and the confusion over the identity of roses in the Renaissance and looks at the role that roses play in the language of flowers.

Each chapter features expert text by Brent Elliott, Historian at the RHS, and extracts from texts to be found in the Lindley Library. Each of the 40 roses is illustrated with extraordinarily beautiful images from the library and accompanied by a beautifully reproduced print of the flower which can be framed, allowing the reader to truly appreciate these magnificent plants.