Botanical Shakespeare: An Illustrated Compendium of all the Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Trees, Seeds, and Grasses Cited by the World's Greatest Playwright

A color compendium examining every plant cited in Shakespeare's plays and poems, with a foreword by Dame Helen Mirren. Shakespeare historian Gerit Quealy and Japanese artist Sumié Hasegawa-Collins present over 170 flowers, fruits, grains, grasses, trees, herbs, seeds, and vegetables mentioned in Shakespeare's works. The book opens with an overview of Shakespeare's relationship to the plants in his writing, demonstrating his botanical knowledge and his skill in creating metaphorical connections. The central section features illustrated portraits of each plant alongside the specific text in which it appears and the character(s) who speak the lines. Examples include Eglantine, a wild rose prized for its scent, and distinctions between apple varieties. The compendium includes a dictionary describing each plant and indices organized by play/poem, character, and genus for reference. Designed for gardeners and general readers interested in Shakespeare's work from the perspective of the plants themselves.