Roses
A Celebration
By Wayne Winterrowd (Editor), Pamela Stagg (Illustrator) 

     "It is certainly the case that other plants - Old World wheat or New World corn, for example - have exercised a far greater influence on humanity than has the rose. But among plants valued for beauty, the rose is unparalleled for its place in myth, symbol, literature, and human affection. As early as the twelfth century B.C., the Persians and the Medes carved representations of the typical, five-petaled single form of the flower as a religious emblem." -- Wayne Winterrowd

     In Winterrowd's introduction to Roses, he writes about roses, their history, and our constant desire for them, even though their only task is to give us visual pleasure. Following his introduction are thirty-two essays on individual roses. Along with the essays comes lovely art work of each rose discussed. The essayists are gardeners and rosiarns, so their works carry the proper botannical tone, but I can honestly say the essays read universal and unhurried to the heart of this ordinary gardener.

      The book is comprehensive in its content and well worth its asking price ($30). Without a doubt, it's a collector-type book that isn't meant to be read in one sitting, but brought down from the shelf on the occasional quiet moment to read about yet another type of rose.

     Some listed in the book with essays are: Graham Stuart Thomas, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas C. Cooper, Joe Eck, Michael Pollan, Anne Raver.

     Some of the roses touted are: Great Maiden's Blush, Souvenir de St. Anne's, Alchemist, Ginny, Mme Hardy, Mister Lincoln, and The Fairy.