A GOOD READ

It is no surprise that the rose is the world’s favourite flower and in her new book, simply called Rose (Reaktion Books, £16), social historian Catherine Horwood dances us through every aspect of its botanical, cultural and literary significance, its history, royal connections and horticultural development. It offers many interesting nuggets, too – not least that we should all add the European Rose Garden in Sangerhausen, Germany, to our bucket list, as it has 8,600 varieties. There’s an enticing recipe for rose vodka, too.