Britain's Wild Flowers: A Treasury of Traditions, Superstitions, Remedies and Literature
Hardback
A fascinating look at the myths, folklore and botany behind over 70 British wildflowers.
A fascinating look at the myths, folklore and botany behind over 70 British wildflowers.
From hedgerows to meadows, wildflowers can be found throughout our green and pleasant land. In this book, journalist and garden writer Rosamond Richardson traces the history and myths behind each flower to discover the fascinating ways in which the plants were used. Discover which flower used as a medieval lie-detector to test the innocence of suspected criminals, or stuffed in the shoes of Roman centurions to prevent damage to their feet as they marched.
From periwinkles, beloved of Chaucer, and the oxlips and ‘nodding violet’ growing in the forest of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the book celebrates the important role wildflowers have played in literature, as well as their uses in food and medicine, and the history, myths and tales behind each species.
The nineteenth-century poet John Clare wrote, ‘I love wildflowers (none are weeds with me)'. This book is a celebration of the bountiful history behind Britain’s beloved wildflowers and is perfect for anyone with an interest in gardening, history or the natural world.
RRP: £12.99
Imprint
National Trust Books
ISBN
978-1-909881-92-1
Publication Date
13-04-2017
Format
Hardback
Pages
280 pages
Dimensions
142x198mm
Product Description
A fascinating look at the myths, folklore and botany behind over 70 British wildflowers.
A fascinating look at the myths, folklore and botany behind over 70 British wildflowers.
From hedgerows to meadows, wildflowers can be found throughout our green and pleasant land. In this book, journalist and garden writer Rosamond Richardson traces the history and myths behind each flower to discover the fascinating ways in which the plants were used. Discover which flower used as a medieval lie-detector to test the innocence of suspected criminals, or stuffed in the shoes of Roman centurions to prevent damage to their feet as they marched.
From periwinkles, beloved of Chaucer, and the oxlips and ‘nodding violet’ growing in the forest of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the book celebrates the important role wildflowers have played in literature, as well as their uses in food and medicine, and the history, myths and tales behind each species.
The nineteenth-century poet John Clare wrote, ‘I love wildflowers (none are weeds with me)'. This book is a celebration of the bountiful history behind Britain’s beloved wildflowers and is perfect for anyone with an interest in gardening, history or the natural world.
Author
Rosamond Richardson and National Trust Books
Rosamond Richardson was an author, journalist, essayist. She was a regular columnist for Bird Watching magazine where she wrote the monthly 'Reflections' page. She also appeared in The Countryman magazine, where her feature on wild flowers 'Natural Histories' was followed in 2015 by a series on 'Walking with Wild Flowers.' Her 'Flora Britannica' column appeared as a weekly feature in Country Life.
Imprint
National Trust Books
ISBN
978-1-909881-92-1
Publication Date
13-04-2017
Format
Hardback
Pages
280 pages
Dimensions
142x198mm
Product Description
A fascinating look at the myths, folklore and botany behind over 70 British wildflowers.
A fascinating look at the myths, folklore and botany behind over 70 British wildflowers.
From hedgerows to meadows, wildflowers can be found throughout our green and pleasant land. In this book, journalist and garden writer Rosamond Richardson traces the history and myths behind each flower to discover the fascinating ways in which the plants were used. Discover which flower used as a medieval lie-detector to test the innocence of suspected criminals, or stuffed in the shoes of Roman centurions to prevent damage to their feet as they marched.
From periwinkles, beloved of Chaucer, and the oxlips and ‘nodding violet’ growing in the forest of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the book celebrates the important role wildflowers have played in literature, as well as their uses in food and medicine, and the history, myths and tales behind each species.
The nineteenth-century poet John Clare wrote, ‘I love wildflowers (none are weeds with me)'. This book is a celebration of the bountiful history behind Britain’s beloved wildflowers and is perfect for anyone with an interest in gardening, history or the natural world.
Author
Rosamond Richardson and National Trust Books
Rosamond Richardson was an author, journalist, essayist. She was a regular columnist for Bird Watching magazine where she wrote the monthly 'Reflections' page. She also appeared in The Countryman magazine, where her feature on wild flowers 'Natural Histories' was followed in 2015 by a series on 'Walking with Wild Flowers.' Her 'Flora Britannica' column appeared as a weekly feature in Country Life.