Tremendous historical novel of the early 1600s, as seen through the eyes of John Tradescant, gardener to the great men of the age. A traveller in a time of discovery, the greatest gardening pioneer of his day, yet a man of humble birth: John Tradescant's story is a mirror to the extraordinary age in which he lives. As gardener and confidante to Sir Robert Cecil, Tradescant is well placed to observe the social and political changes that are about to sweep through the kingdom. While his master conjures intrigues at Court, Tradescant designs for him the magnificent garden at Hatfield, scouring the known world for ever more wonderful plants: new varieties of fruit and flower, the first horse chestnuts to be cultivated in England, even larches from Russia. Moving to the household of the flamboyant Duke of Buckingham, Tradescant witnesses at first hand the growing division between Parliament and the people; and the most loyal of servants must find a way to become an independent squire.
Philippa Gregory
Philippa Gregory is a British historical novelist known for her meticulously researched and vividly imagined portrayals of English history. She is best known for her acclaimed series "The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels," which includes titles such as "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The White Queen." Gregory's writing style is characterized by richly detailed settings, complex characters, and gripping plotlines that bring history to life for readers. Her contributions to literature include shedding light on lesser-known historical figures and events, while also reimagining well-known stories in a fresh and engaging way. Gregory's work has had a significant impact on the historical fiction genre, inspiring a new generation of readers and writers to explore the past through the lens of fiction.