The Rose Book

A gorgeous visual survey of the rose, exploring our enduring connection to one of nature’s most universally beloved flowers

From a couture Dior gown and a rose-adorned Barbie to ancient mosaics and Victorian Valentine’s cards, this curated collection of more than 200 stunning images celebrates the world’s most iconic flower. Discover the extraordinary ways the universally beloved bloom has been depicted through time and across cultures, both within and beyond the garden.

Featuring 220 exquisite images, The Rose Book reveals depictions as diverse as the plant’s own endless varieties – from wild ramblers to cultivated Hybrid Teas, botanical illustrations to fashion design, fragrance to film, fine art to photography. Works by figures such as Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Christian Dior, Georgia O’Keeffe, Irving Penn, Tiffany & Co., Alexander McQueen, Vincent van Gogh, and more are artfully paired to reveal intriguing juxtapositions.

Captivating essays explore the horticultural history of the rose, the flower’s abundant presence in fashion, and the storied use of its scent in fragrance and perfume. The book also includes a rose glossary by Michael Marriott, and an epilogue by Shane Connolly.

Whether as a symbol of beauty and love, a political and religious icon, or a beloved ornamental plant with countless cultivars, the rose has been an undeniable force in popular culture for millennia, from Ancient Greece to today.

Review

'This sumptuously illustrated book celebrates the rose in its myriad forms... each time I immersed myself in this book, the room seemed to fill with their musk' – RHS The Garden review by Rachel de Thame

‘If you want to understand why the rose is the king of flowers, The Rose Book is for you. Phaidon's tome explores the rose's depiction through the ages in history, art, and culture and highlights why the genus is so intrinsically linked to our society. This book is perfect for anybody who wants a deeper understanding of the rose's place in our humankind and the carefully curated images and texts offer a wide range of subjects for all to enjoy.’ – David J C Austin

'No flower is more entwined with myth, religion, politics and the human form than the humble rose - and now there's a new coffee table book celebrating them in all their glory.' – Country Life

'Surveys the many ways [the rose] has been depicted in art, poetry, fashion and movies.' – Wall Street Journal

‘While the rose is beloved in the Western world, this volume uncovers a niche that has yet to be explored.’ – AIR MAIL

‘[A] new nature-centric must-read.’ – Aspire Design and Home

‘A blooming book.’ – DailyArt Magazine

‘A beautifully produced homage.’ – Kirkus

‘A stunning tribute to this timeless bloom.’ – Rain Magazine