British Flora

Now with a new foreword by John Lewis-Stempel, 'Britain's greatest living nature writer'A stunning illustrated edition of a classic in natural history, the ultimate reference book of British flowers and plants from poet and botanist Geoffrey Grigson.'Almost every book I have written in the last eighteen years has been informed by A British Flora.' John Lewis-Stempel, bestselling author of England: A Natural HistoryFirst published in 1955 as The Englishman's Flora, Geoffrey Grigson's lost classic has now been updated in this stunning new edition. An illustrated guide to Britain's flora, it is a must-have treasure trove for every walker, forager and lover of our countryside.Listing flowers and trees of the field, hedgerow and heathland, both rare and familiar, with their Latin, common and regional names, it includes their magical, mythical, medicinal and culinary properties, and their role in shaping the culture, religion and history of these isles.While ten wildflowers have been 'lost' and much of our flora depleted since it was first published, it illustrates all that the British countryside should be and can still be.Beautifully written and scattered with sixteenth-century woodcuts, rhymes, proverbs and potions, A British Flora is the ultimate rural companion, essential reference and perfect gift.'One of the loveliest but also most useful illustrated gift books of the season.' The Bookseller'There can be nothing but praise for this attractive, erudite volume ... a richly packed, loving book' Times Literary Supplement