Chrysanthemum

(Hardback)

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Description

Drawing its allure from the gold of the sun and the rule of emperors, the chrysanthemum winds its way through ancient Chinese culture into the gardens of French Impressionist painters and onto the pages of American novels. The flower signifies both life and death, as parts of Europe associate it with mourning while others celebrate it for its golden rays that light the autumnal gloom.

In this fascinating book, Twigs Way follows the fortunes of the flower through philosophy, art, literature and death, recounting the stories of the men and women who became captivated by it. With a range of vibrant illustrations, including works by Hiroshige, Monet and Mondrian, it will appeal to lovers of art, flowers, history and culture.

Reviews

the latest in Reaktions Botanical series small, handsomely produced hardbacks that recount the cultural and historical significance of various familiar plants. With the chrysanthemum, so rich in spiritual, philosophical and artistic associations, it is on to a winner, especially when the story is told by the inestimable garden historian Twigs Way. With her vivacious prose
and unerring knack for unearthing the absurd or delicious detail, Way could probably fashion the minutes of your local parish council into absorbing history: with this flower, she is in her element . . . The illustrations are a delight, ranging from Chinese ceramics to evocative 19th-century postcards from Hiroshige to Monet and Mondrian . . . this is a book packed with unforgettable facts.

* Ambra Edwards, Gardens Illustrated *
here comes a perfect (and vibrantly illustrated) book for the season: one that takes as its focus the chrysanthemum . . . Twigs Way deftly explores why this flower has signified both life and death, and how it has found its way into philosophy and literature, as well as art. * The Arts Society Magazine *
a very good introduction to a fascinating subject and deserves to be read by anyone concerned with the history of the flower garden. * Garden History *
Many of us are now familiar with the extraordinarily wide-ranging extent of the handsome uniform volumes of single-species botanical published over the last few years by Reaktion Books . . . Among the latest is Chrysanthemum by Twigs Way, full of fascinating off-the-beaten-track material . . . The chrysanthemum family is large and diverse, and it's good to discover a book of such outstanding miscellany that ought to raise the profile of this botanical Cinderella. * Hortus *
When richly hued mums start appearing, it is a sure sign that summer is winding down and the crisp autumn season is just around the corner. For many gardeners, mums are the last show of big color as summer annuals begin to die back. . . . Chrysanthemum details the fortunes of the flower through philosophy, art, and literature, recounting the stories of the men and women who became captivated by it. With a range of vibrant illustrations, including works by Hiroshige, Monet, and Mondrian, it will appeal to lovers of art, flowers, history, and culture. Drawing its allure from the gold of the sun and the rule of emperors, the chrysanthemum winds its way through ancient Chinese culture into the gardens of French Impressionist painters and onto the pages of American novels. You will never look at a simple porch pot of mums the same way again. * Michigan Gardener *
The chrysanthemum was the classless wonder of the Victorian Age. Twigs Way has wondrously revived it - we can now at last understand its true glory in the pantheon of flowers. * His Honour Simon Brown QC, Past Master of the Inner Temple Garden *
Forget associations of chrysanthemums and dreary drabness, thanks to Twigs Way their myriad petals point the reader honourably, imperially and sensibly into a journey of floral fascination . . . [a] book of horticultural, artistic and literary delights. * Caroline Holmes, garden historian *

Twigs Way has very skilfully and gently guided us down the centuries with tales of how these chrysanthemum plants have beguiled us. From Emperors, poets, painters, writers, decorative arts, florists, show benches and even tea. But the real story is in the title, that is with the chrysanthemum plant itself. As with Scheherazade in the Tales from the Arabian Nights this
plant will adapt and evolve to lead us on in order to survive.

* Judy Barker FLS Holder of the National Collection Hardy Chrysanthemums John Woolman Medal of Honour, Brickell Award *

Author Bio

Twigs Way is a lecturer, writer and speaker who has worked in historic landscapes and gardens for over thirty years. She is a regular contributor to BBC Countryfile and her previous books include Carnation (Reaktion, 2016), A Passion for Gardening (2015) and Garden Gnomes: A History (2009). She lives in Cambridgeshire.