Sweeping historical novel from Philippa Gregory the author of The Other Boleyn Girl and The Virgin's Lover. Set in the 1600s and seen through the eyes of John Tradescant, gardener to the great men of the age. A traveller in a time of discovery, the greatest gardening pioneer of his day, yet a man of humble birth: John Tradescant's story is a mirror to the extraordinary age in which he lives. As gardener and confidante to Sir Robert Cecil, Tradescant is well placed to observe the social and political changes that are about to sweep through the kingdom. While his master conjures intrigues at Court, Tradescant designs for him the magnificent garden at Hatfield, scouring the known world for ever more wonderful plants: new varieties of fruit and flower, the first horse chestnuts to be cultivated in England, even larches from Russia. Moving to the household of the flamboyant Duke of Buckingham, Tradescant witnesses at first hand the growing division between Parliament and the people; and the most loyal of servants must find a way to become an independent squire.
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From Publishers Weekly
Seventeenth-century England is the setting for this engaging historical novel based on the life of John Tradescant, a gardener of common birth who transforms plain plots of land into slices of heaven on earth. As vassal to the secretary of state, Sir Robert Cecil, Tradescant—who, as fate would have it, had no sense of smell—places his master's garden above all else, much to the chagrin of his wife, Elizabeth, and young son, J. Tradescant's affinity for botanicals is matched by his thirst for adventure; in the service of his lord, he travels to distant lands to defend his country's honor (and collect cuttings of rare and exotic plants). When Tradescant is summoned by King James I's closest confidante, the dark-haired and devious Duke of Buckingham, he is immediately taken by the nobleman's beauty. Devotion soon turns to erotic obsession, and Tradescant must face the consequences of loving a fickle, heartless man. Gregory (The Virgin's Lover; The Other Boleyn Girl) renders lush details of plants and clever commentary on the passions and power plays of the British royal court. Only the occasional detail-heavy battle scene slows this vibrant tale of a man grappling with the liabilities of loyalty and love.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
From Library Journal
John Tradescant, gardener to Lord Cecil, depends on a well-ordered universe in which he serves a master, who serves the crown, who serves God. When James I succeeds Elizabeth, the social fabric begins to unravel. The disastrous rule of Charles I stirs more discontent among the people, including John's wife and son. As he searches for new plants and creates fabulous gardens for wealthy patrons, John witnesses court dissipation and corruption. His loyalty to Lord Buckingham, a man unsurpassed in beauty, ambition, and self-indulgence, changes John from servant to lover, bringing him guilt as well as pleasure before Buckingham's rejection. Gregory's (The Little House, LJ 10/1/96) strong plotting, intriguing characters, and rich evocation of a time and place will leave readers eager for the promised sequel about John's son. Highly recommended for historical fiction collections.?Kathy Piehl, Mankato State Univ., MN
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By sallyann
Format:Hardcover
This is a fascinating story of the political turmoil surrounding King Charles I from a wonderful perspective. It was very clever how it entwined gardening with the turbulent times of the era, how the great men found a type of release in the garden away from the real world.
However I found it the tiniest bit bland after the 'Wise Woman'. Maybe I just didn't agree with his personal heirarchy, where a woman barely rates a mention after God and King and the Lords? A sign of the times! I have the sequel on my shelf and look forward to losing myself in it.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The author tells the story of the legendary 17th century English gardener John Tradescant leisurely and clearly because he is a man of the earth, but when the story mounts and he meets the love of his life the writing is obsessive and often exquisite, and the more unusual because the love is nothing like he could have expected and he is by then sixty years old. I had tears in my eyes. An unforgettable character. I am also an English historical novelist writing of the same century and I was swept away.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
As an avid reader of English historical novels, I never have read a novel thinking the history was in the way of this intimate love story. Which was more intense - John Tradescant's love of his gardens and horticulture, his love for his family, or his love and duty to his lord and country? We can't wait to see what his son will accomplish in America!
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3.8 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Intense, passionate - wonderful!
This novel of gardener John Tradescant cannot help but fascinate any avid reader of historical fiction. Read more
Published on Sep 17 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
Let John garden in peace and the sequel come out in print!
As an avid reader of English historical novels, I never have read a novel thinking the history was in the way of this intimate love story. Read more
Published on Jun 5 1999
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