130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Overnight NZ-wide delivery πŸš€ Auckland Bookstore β€’ Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

Rosa

The Story of the Rose
4.38 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 47 ratings, 20 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Rosa offers an enchanting journey through the captivating history of the rose, a flower synonymous with love, power, beauty, and joy. Authored by award-winning horticulturist Peter E. Kukielski and Charles Phillips, this beautifully illustrated guide traces the rose's cultivation from ancient China around five thousand years ago to its presence in modern genetic varieties. The book explores the rose's significance across multiple cultures and religions, including ancient Greece and Rome, Christianity, Islam, and Sufism, highlighting its enduring role in poetry, art, medicine, fragrance, fashion, and cuisine.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$5999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This title is ideal for horticulturists, history enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone fascinated by cultural symbolism or floral art. Its richly detailed content and beautiful illustrations also make it a perfect gift for flower lovers and those interested in the interplay between plants and human culture.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A beautifully illustrated and unique history of the β€œqueen of flowers” in art, medicine, cuisine, and more

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Few flowers have quite the same allure or as significant a place in history as the rose. A symbol of love, power, royalty, beauty, and joy, the rose has played many roles, both literal and symbolic, in poetry, art, literature, music, fashion, medicine, perfume, decoration, cuisine, and more.

In this beautifully illustrated guide, award-winning horticulturist Peter E. Kukielski and his coauthor, Charles Phillips, tell the fascinating and many-layered history of this β€œqueen of flowers.” The book explores many stories from the long association of roses with human societies, from their first cultivationβ€”likely in China some five thousand years agoβ€”to their modern genetic cultivars. It shows how roses have been prominent across time and many cultures, including ancient Greece and Rome, Christianity, Islam, and Sufism.

Rosa, with more than 140 colour illustrations, offers a unique look at the essential contributions that roses have made throughout human history.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its comprehensive and engaging exploration, Rosa has been celebrated by Garden News for its thoughtful narrative and exquisite production. Judith Blacklock of Flora Magazine recommends it as a treasured gift for flower lovers. It has received the top literary award from the World Federation of Rose Societies. Esteemed experts like Gaye Hammond and Michael Marriott commend the book's depth, rich cultural insights, and stunning illustrations, calling it the most thorough examination of the rose's historical and cultural impact.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300251111

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 16 February 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 143 color illus.

Contributors:

  • Foreword by Judith B Tankard

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 191.0mm

Height: 246.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Peter E. Kukielski is an acclaimed horticulturalist who was curator of the award-winning Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Garden from 2006 to 2014. He lives in Portland, ME. Charles Phillips is a writer and editor with more than 30 years’ experience. He lives in London, England.

Also by Charles Phillips

View all
  • Alcatraz Escape Book, The
    Framed as a traitor and a murderer and sent to Alcatraz as a result, you must escape the forbidding, top-security jail, recover the lost evidence, and stop the pollution and land sale before it's too late. Surrounded by the most notorious, dangerous, and unpredictable inmates, you will quickly learn that the only means of escape will be from solving hidden...
    Paperback
    $2299
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • Sherlock Holmes Escape, A - The Adventure of the Analytical Engine
    The third title in this ingenious series of Sherlock Holmes Escape Books, The Adventure of the Analytical Engine, is an exhilarating combination of escape room, puzzle book, and adventure story. Inspired by real-life escape rooms, where players tackle puzzles while trapped in a locked room, it is an escape room in the form of a locked book, filled with codes,...
    Paperback
    $2299
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • Sherlock Holmes Escape Book, A: The Adventure of the Tower of London
    A Sherlock Holmes Escape Book: The Adventure of the Tower of London is a unique form of puzzle book, in which the reader must solve the riddles to escape the pages. The fourth title in this ingenious series of Sherlock Holmes Escape Books, The Adventure of the Tower of London is an exhilarating combination of escape room, puzzle book, and...
    Paperback
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • How to Think - Creative Thinking Puzzles
    Don't get stuck in a rutβ€”unleash your ingenuity with these creative puzzles. Imaginative thinking helps you in all aspects of life. It allows you to become more resourceful at problem solving, or to develop unorthodox strategies for dealing with any situation that might come your way. These brain-training puzzles will teach you how to break out of the thought patterns...
    Paperback
    $1899
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • How to Think - Tactical Thinking Puzzles
    How do captains of industry and the greatest strategic minds come to the decisions they do? Learn how to think in ways that will help keep you one step ahead, while completing enjoyable brain-training puzzles. Debating skills, sound logical reasoning, and thinking outside the box are all examined, bringing you a new understanding of tactics, strategy, and decision-making. How to...
    Paperback
    $1899
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Aztec and Maya: An Illustrated History
    Aztec and Maya: An Illustrated History is the definitive chronicle of the ancient peoples of Central America and Mexico, including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Toltec, and Zapotec. In a sumptuous new large-format edition, this wide-ranging reference book covers almost 3000 years of history, offering enthralling insights into the art and architecture, myths and legends, and everyday life of the...
    Hardback
    $4999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Castles, Palaces & Stately Homes
    This sumptuously illustrated history presents, in an updated new edition, an in-depth account of Britain's most important buildings, from castles, royal palaces and stately homes to fortified manors and the great country houses. It provides a wealth of stories and information on this glorious architectural past and heritage. Detailed coverage is given of the World Heritage Sites of Edward I's...
    Hardback
    $4495
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Catholicism: Faith, History, Saints, Popes
    This comprehensive book provides a detailed insight into the Roman Catholic Church, its philosophy and practice, a guide to its most significant saints, and a history of the lives and works of each of the 266 popes from St Peter of Galilea to Francis of Argentina. Editor Charles Phillips brings together a group of expert authors to explore the extraordinary...
    Hardback
    $7995
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Stately Houses, Palaces and Castles of Georgian, Victorian and Modern Britain
    Discover Britain's magnificent heritage of country houses in this lavishly illustrated guide to the architectural treasures of the United Kingdom. Spanning the years from 1714 to the start of the 21st century, Stately Houses, Palaces and Castles of Georgian, Victorian and Modern Britain includes the period's finest examples of architecture, such as Blenheim Palace, Arundel Castle and Clarence House. An...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • How to Think - Lateral Thinking Puzzles
    What should you do when you know that the solution to a problem is right in front of you, but you just can't see it? Working through problems needn't be hard workβ€”in fact, trying too hard can trap you in rigid thought patterns and blind you to unexpected but brilliant solutions. This brain-training puzzle book will help you to see...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Home & Garden

View all
  • Thyme to Cook
    Free Gift
    New Release
    Thyme to Cook
    Thyme to Cook is a practical guide to growing, harvesting and cooking real food at home to nourish our bodies and minds! From successful cookery writer Emma Galloway. 'A treasure trove of a book - an approachable and very beautiful guide to growing your own food and easy and original ways to cook and eat it.' Anna Jones, author of...
    Hardback
    $4699
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Thousand Feasts
    THE INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER From award-winning writer Nigel Slater, comes a new and exquisitely written collection of notes, memoir, stories and small moments of joy. 'Nigel Slater’s prose is the rarest delicacy of all: exquisite yet effortless, filled with heart, tenderness, yearning and humour' ELIZABETH DAY For years, Nigel Slater has kept notebooks of curiosities and wonderings, penned...
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Floral Dream
    The Floral Dream is a practical and inspiring guide for New Zealand home gardeners who dream of growing their own cut flowers. Whether the reader is new to gardening or already has dirt under their nails, this book offers down-to-earth advice on how to grow beautiful blooms in the backyard. It begins with preliminary advice on garden layout, soil preparation,...
    Hardback
    $4999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    11% off
    Grow Your Groceries
    Plant-growing ideas and tricks from a leading gardening TikToker. Hacks on how to grow plants from your supermarket shop. Have you ever wondered if you could grow plants from the food you buy? Could you do something with those leftover apple pips? What about growing your own kiwi plant? And what if you could make more plants from the herb...
    Hardback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    20% off
    Clean Magic
    With Nancy Birtwhistle, it IS easy being green. From the Great British Bake Off winner and Sunday Times bestselling author, Clean Magic is a complete guide with practical and down-to-earth advice on how to integrate Nancy’s tried and tested household tips into your daily life.From sorting stubborn stains to Basic Magic, Pure Magic Gel and big, themed clean-ups, Nancy helps...
    Hardback
    $3200
    Usually:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    12% off
    Companion Planting in NZ
    Companion Planting in NZ by Brenda Little is an essential guide for gardeners who want to cultivate a thriving and sustainable garden using natural methods. This comprehensive book explores the concept of companion planting - an age-old practice where various plants are strategically placed together to enhance growth, deter pests, and improve soil health. By aligning with nature's principles, this...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    19% off
    The Abundant Garden
    The Abundant Garden by Niva and Yotam Kay is a treasure trove of knowledge for both seasoned and novice gardeners alike. Located on the stunning Coromandel Peninsula of Aotearoa New Zealand, the authors draw from their extensive experience at Pakaraka Permaculture to bring you a comprehensive guide on creating and maintaining a productive, regenerative vegetable garden. The book delves deep...
    Paperback
    $3500
    Elsewhere:
    $4999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Quiet Home
    'House hushing' is a new interiors trend that's making (the right kind of) noise in these troubling times. Guardian A beautiful, authoritative guide to the concept of house hushing, The Quiet Home incorporates design principles and strategies for dialling down the visual noise in your home, and creating serene interiors that promote calm and wellbeing. It takes a pared-down, thoughtful...
    Hardback
    $5200
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • How to Keep House While Drowning
    A gentle guide to cleaning and organising when you're overwhelmed, from a licensed therapist and TikTok sensation PRE-ORDER KC'S NEXT BOOKβ€”WHO DESERVES YOUR LOVE Simple tools to make home care easy when life is hard. When you are neurodivergent, have undiagnosed ADHD, or are struggling with your mental or physical health, keeping on top of the laundry pile and tackling...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    20% off
    A Man & His Watch
    β€œI’ve paged through stacks of books on the history of watches. . . . But I hadn’t come across a book that actually moved me until I picked up A Man and His Watch. The volume is filled with heartfelt stories.”—T: The New York Times Style Magazine Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona every single day for 35 years until...
    Hardback
    $6500
    Elsewhere:
    $9000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    29% off
    Feng Shui Modern
    In an increasingly cramped world, a modern guide to opening up your living space – and your life – using the ancient principles of feng shui. How do you place a bed in an awkward room? How can your space help you be more focused and more productive? How do you set up your room to make you ready for...
    Hardback
    $2500
    Usually:
    $3499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Edible Weeds Handbook
    Discover the rich world of New Zealand's wild edible plants with this comprehensive guide. In this comprehensive companion to the best-selling A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand, Andrew Crowe explores the rich culinary world of Aotearoa's non-native plants - the so-called 'weeds'. From miner's lettuce to watercress, taro to acorns, this go-to, illustrated handbook offers...
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.