Feast for lovers of Bard and gardens

Mr. Guilfoyle’s Shakespearian Botany

EDITORS: Diana E. Hill and Edmée H. Cudmore

PUBLISHER: Melbourne University Press

RRP: $45 REVIEWER: Mary Ann Elliott

“SHAKESPEARE has been claimed by various writers from his knowledge of every art and science, of every business and profession, as a lawyer, a doctor, an astronomer, a preacher, an actor, a soldier, a sailor and so forth. I claim him as a botanist.”

Thus wrote the eminent landscaper and botanist William Guilfoyle. Credited as the architect of Melbourne’s spectacular Royal Botanic Gardens, in 1873 he supplanted Ferdinand von Mueller as Director of the Gardens.

Guilfoyle’s expertise and unsurpassed knowledge of plants went hand in hand with his enthusiasm for Shakespeare.

Here are his collected essays on the many plants, fruits and flowers William Shakespeare referred to in his plays and poems.

The Bard referred to the rose no fewer than 100 times, the most famous of which is: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Romeo and Juliet, Act 2).

Guilfoyle’s detailed description and fascinating history of each plant in alphabetical order is followed by the Bard’s quotations.

No mere botanical imagery, they reveal Shakespeare’s intimate knowledge of each plant’s peculiarities, folklore and medicinal uses, as well as his deep love of nature.

Listing more than 200 species, Guilfoyle’s monthly columns for the Banker’s Magazine are presented in their charming original format.

Each entry is complemented by the beautiful and groundbreaking colour illustrations of Basilius Besler and delicate watercolours by Jacques le Moyne.

This enchanting book is truly a feast for those who love the Bard, gardens and art.

‘‘ NO MERE BOTANICAL IMAGERY, THEY REVEAL SHAKESPEARE’S INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF EACH PLANT’S PECULIARITIES, FOLKLORE AND MEDICINAL USES, AS WELL AS HIS DEEP LOVE OF NATURE.