'A Book About Roses'

ClaraLou · May 4, 2010

A friend has given me a lovely little book which dates from 1907 called 'A Book About Roses'. It's by a man called S. Reynolds Hole, who was Dean of Rochester. I think he must have spent rather more time thinking about his roses than saving souls. With typical Edwardian practicality, Chapter One is entitled 'Causes of Failure'. Nothing like starting on a note of optimism!

wiseowl · May 4, 2010

Hi ClaraLou (1819-1904)Yes a very well respected Rosarian ,He was the Dean of Rochester in 1898,and if you get the time to visit the Cathedral Rose garden He has a Plaque and lots of Rose beds Dedicated to him,he went to Oxford and ,helped with his vast Knowledge and Love of Roses at Kew Gardens,and If I remember rightly he started The Royal National Rose Society

The oldest book on rose growing that I personally have is not at all ancient, itâ??s from nineteenth century England. Called â??A Book About Rosesâ?, it was written by the Reverend S. Reynolds Hole. Literary style was quite different back then. The book is chock-full literary allusions, metaphors, Greek and Latin quotations. Despite that, itâ??s an interesting read, filled with Holeâ??s humor and his passion for roses. He was â??a rosarian who carried his learning lightly and who could communicate it with robust practicality and gentle wit. The man that Lord Tennyson called â??The Rose Kingâ??â?¦ had produced a classic.â?(Elias) The British public loved it, it went through 19 printings. It starts, â??He who would have beautiful Roses in his garden must have beautiful Roses in his heart.â?
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ClaraLou · May 4, 2010

How interesting, Wiseoldowl. Thank you for this.

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'A Book About Roses'

ClaraLou Total Gardener

wiseowl Admin 24/7 Staff Member

ClaraLou Total Gardener

Not quite the last ever book

Next to the last ever book from me.

A short book this time.

Books: Thursday murder club (R Osman)

Another new book!

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'A Book About Roses'

ClaraLou Total Gardener

wiseowl Admin 24/7 Staff Member

ClaraLou Total Gardener

Not quite the last ever book

Next to the last ever book from me.

A short book this time.

Books: Thursday murder club (R Osman)

Another new book!

Share This Page

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