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Distributed for Reaktion Books

Peony

A beautifully illustrated cultural history of the silky flower.
 
Peonies are among the most beloved flowers, with petals of the finest silk and often a distinctive perfume. Their large, flamboyantly colored blooms are attractive and photogenic, ideal for celebrations. Beyond the flowers, the colorful shoots add interest to any garden. Peonies appear in the art and literature of China, Korea, Japan, the classical Mediterranean, and medieval Europe. Charles Darwin, as a child, was sent to count the peonies in his family garden, his first exercise in scientific data collection. Superbly illustrated, and covering cultural as well as botanical details, this book is an ideal companion for plant lovers wanting to learn more about this fascinating flower.

216 pages | 96 color plates, 10 halftones | 5.43 x 8.5 | © 2025

Botanical

Biological Sciences: Botany

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Reviews

"Brilliant . . . Gail Harland’s research is impeccable, her dialogue with the reader is comfortable and the photographs are utter confection for the eye. This will accomplish for Paeonia what Anna Pavord’s The Tulip did for the appreciation of the singular impact on our collective horti(cultural) identity by a single genus of plants."

Daniel J. Hinkley, author of 'Windcliff: A Story of People, Plants, and Gardens'

"In this extensively researched, highly informative book, Gail Harland presents an entertaining and fascinating guide to a group of one of our favourite garden plants, peonies. No stone is left unturned in this wide-ranging, beautifully illustrated account, which describes not only aspects of their biology and cultivation, but also highlights their cultural significance in herbal medicine, literature, art and music."

Richard J. Gornall, University of Leicester

Table of Contents

Introduction one Across Four Continents two Queen of All Herbs three King of Flowers four Picturing the Peony five Peonies and Poetry six A Floral Bouquet Timeline References Further Reading Associations and Websites Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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