Wordsworth's Gardens and Flowers: The Spirit of Paradise

William Wordsworth was not just a poet of daffodils, but also a gardening poet who designed and worked in his gardens. This book explores his gardens at Grasmere, Rydal, and Leicestershire, and his use of flowers in his poetry, highlighting their cultural, religious, and political significance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2018
Publisher: ACC Art Books

Wordsworth's Gardens and Flowers: The Spirit of Paradise is a captivating exploration that challenges the prevailing notion that William Wordsworth was primarily a poet of daffodils. This remarkable book delves into the multifaceted nature of Wordsworth as a gardening poet, revealing his deep connection with gardens and flowers.

In the first section, the author takes readers on a journey through the gardens that Wordsworth created in various locations, including Grasmere and Rydal in the English Lake District, as well as in Leicestershire, at Coleorton. Through his poetry and prose, as well as the journals of his sister, Dorothy Wordsworth, the reader gains a vivid insight into the beauty and essence of these gardens. The author meticulously examines Wordsworth's poetic and artistic expressions, highlighting how the gardens became a source of inspiration and reflection for his writings.

The second half of the book delves into Wordsworth's profound appreciation for flowers and their significance in his poetry. The author explores the vital role that British flowers and other seemingly ordinary objects played in Wordsworth's work, emphasizing their cultural, religious, and political meanings. The text is interspersed with illustrations that vividly bring Wordsworth's gardens and flowers to life, including rare botanical prints that have been reproduced for the first time in several decades.

Throughout the book, the engaging and accessible writing style weaves together illustrations and text, creating a rich and immersive experience for readers. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail provide a comprehensive understanding of Wordsworth's gardens and flowers, shedding light on his artistic vision and the profound impact they had on his life and work.

Wordsworth's Gardens and Flowers: The Spirit of Paradise is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and legacy of William Wordsworth, as well as in the broader realm of gardening and literature. This book offers a fresh perspective on Wordsworth's artistic journey, showcasing his profound connection with nature and his role as a pioneer in the field of gardening poetry.

Weight: 1072g
Dimension: 198 x 263 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781851498956