Botanical Shakespeare

Synopsis

A captivating, beautifully illustrated, one-of-a-kind color compendium of the flowers, fruits, herbs, trees, seeds, and grasses cited in the works of the world's greatest playwright, William Shakespeare, accompanied by their companion quotes from all of his plays and poems. With a foreword by Dame Helen Mirren-the first foreword she has ever contributed.

In this striking compilation, Shakespeare historian Gerit Quealy and respected Japanese artist Sumié Hasegawa combine their knowledge and skill in this first and only book that examines every plant that appears in the works of Shakespeare.

Botanical Shakespeare opens with a brief look at the Bard's relationship to the plants mentioned in his works-a diversity that illuminates his knowledge of the science of botany, as well as the colloquy, revealing his unmatched skill for creating metaphorical connections and interweaving substantive philosophy. At the heart of the book are "portraits" of the over 170 flowers, fruits, grains, grasses, trees, herbs, seeds and vegetables that Shakespeare mentions in his plays and poems. Botanical Shakespeare features a gorgeous color illustration of each, giving a "face" to the name, alongside the specific text in which it appears and the character(s) who utter the lines in which it is mentioned.

This fascinating visual compendium also includes a dictionary describing each plant-such as Eglantine, a wild rose with a slight prickle, cherished for its singular scent, superior to any other rose; and the difference between apples and apple-john-along with indices listing the botanical by play/poem, by character, and genus for easy reference, ideal for gardeners and thoughtful birthday gift-giving.

This breathtaking, incomparable collection of exquisite artwork and companion quotes offers unique depth and insight into Shakespeare and his timeless work through the unusual perspective of the plants themselves.

About the Publisher

Harper

HarperFiction publishes some of the best commercial writers around, ranging from bestselling crime author Stuart MacBride, to leaders in women?s fiction Cecelia Ahern, Lindsey Kelk and Barbara Taylor Bradford. The imprint also publishes the bestselling historical fiction of Bernard Cornwell, exciting work from Lauren Beukes and Rosie Thomas, and thriller successes Sam Bourne and Simon Toyne. From sagas to thrillers to sexy summer reads, HarperFiction has something for everyone.

Summary

Chapter 1: A Garden of Delights

Introduces Shakespeare's love of plants and their frequent appearance in his works. Provides examples of plant metaphors, similes, and allusions found in his plays.

Example:

In "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo describes Juliet as a "fair flower" and declares that "Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear," comparing her to a prized rose that is too valuable to be used or left on Earth.

Chapter 2: The Language of Flowers

Explores the significance of specific flowers in Shakespeare's time and how their meanings influenced his writing. Discusses the use of flowers to communicate hidden messages, such as love, chastity, and infidelity.

Example:

In "Hamlet," Ophelia gives Hamlet a bouquet of flowers, each with its own symbolic meaning. The rosemary represents remembrance, the pansies stand for thought, and the fennel symbolizes flattery.

Chapter 3: The Herbalist's Shakespeare

Examines Shakespeare's knowledge of medicinal plants and their use in his plays. Explains how characters often utilize herbs for healing, poisoning, and other purposes.

Example:

In "Macbeth," Lady Macbeth brews a potent potion containing hemlock, wolfsbane, and yew, which she uses to poison King Duncan.

Chapter 4: Trees and Forests

Highlights the importance of trees and forests in Shakespeare's plays. Forests often serve as settings for dramatic action and provide metaphors for life's complexities and the human condition.

Example:

In "As You Like It," the Forest of Arden becomes a sanctuary for characters seeking refuge from the harshness of court life.

Chapter 5: Gardens and Landscapes

Examines how Shakespeare used gardens and landscapes to create atmosphere and symbolism in his plays. Gardens often represent order, beauty, and harmony, while wild landscapes symbolize untamed nature and the passions of the human heart.

Example:

In "Twelfth Night," the garden where Viola and Olivia meet becomes a setting for romance and mistaken identities.

Chapter 6: Flowers and Romance

Explores the use of flowers in Shakespeare's romantic comedies. Flowers are often used to symbolize love, desire, and fertility, and are incorporated into courtship rituals and marriage ceremonies.

Example:

In "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the love potion brewed by Puck contains the flowers of love-in-idleness, which makes Demetrius fall in love with Helena when he sees her first.

Chapter 7: Flowers and Death

Examines the use of flowers in Shakespeare's tragedies and history plays. Flowers often symbolize the transience of life, mourning, and the inevitability of death.

Example:

In "Hamlet," Ophelia's burial is adorned with flowers such as rosemary, pansies, and fennel, representing remembrance, thought, and flattery, underscoring the tragedy of her untimely demise.