Customer Reviews

Old Roses and English Roses

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Exquisite book, an absolute orgy for anyone who loves roses but especially for those of us who love the old roses. David Austin is making an indelible mark on the rose world. People will be writing about him a hundred years from now. This book is a lovely representation of his knowledge and thoughts on the roses he knows like few others. The book is small with a beautiful cover of an English rose, Sharifa Asma. He covers all the wonderful varieties of old or old looking roses, for example, rugosas, English roses, Gallicas, Moss Roses, China, Portlands, Bourbons, Damasks, and Teas. The information is succinct but not at all superficial. As he writes, he is clearly speaking of roses he knows like a friend. The book is packed with wonderful photographs in all types circumstances. He discusses cultivation. Particularly interesting is his chapter on English roses of today and the future. His bibliography is extensive and could be helpful in building one's own lib! rary. This is a MUST have book!

This is a good introduction to old roses and their development, but a better one about "English Roses". "English Roses" are a relatively new type of roses, pioneered by David Austin, starting about 1970, with his first popular variety, "Constance Spry". "English Roses" are shrub roses that have the look of old roses. They are very carefree roses and bloom profusely and often, most with a nice fragrance. No one is more qualified to talk about "English Roses" than David Austin since he "invented" them. He tells how to use them to the best advantage and also tells strong points and weaknesses of the numerous varieties. This is the man to listen to about growing English roses. The book also has a good introduction to the correct methods of rose cultivation. There are a lot of very nice pictures.

This lovely little book is an indispensible addition to any rose lover's library. Small enough to take with you to your local nursery and yet has enough detail to be very informative. Some newer English Roses not covered.

Although this book has a publication date of 1992, it is amazing how outdated and old it seems to be 16 years down the track. Of course, the section on English roses, developing rapidly each year, is completely outdated, but the pictures and layout also seem somehow musty and faded. If you really want to read about Austin roses, then the latest book (The English Roses, Timber Press, 2005) is a feast of glorious, artistically presented pictures with the latest details about roses of this type. I can't image anyone not adoring it. Another book to treasure for its information and wondrous images is Peter Beales' Passion for Roses. Both books are worth the slight extra outlay, both for the most recent information and for the fine photography. Ultimately, the books provide a very cheap visit to enchanted gardens any time you wish to be there, and inspiration for planting your own.
This particular Austen book still has use as an introduction for those new to roses, and its size also gives it several advantages. Being a general appreciator of Austin and all he says and does, the other interesting aspect of the book is the insight it offers into the particular old world roses (not his own) that he treasures. I am glad I have read it. I will certainly NOT be throwing it away, but I would choose his more recent edition over this one every time.