TBR

Fantastic book and so well written. This author is such a gifted writer of historical novels woven around historical fact. A story about John Tradescant, which spans a period of 35 years (1603 to 1638), who was gardener to Robert Cecil, King James, King Charles and the Duke of Buckingham and a fascinating insight into the turbulent years just before the civil war. I didn't know about the history of the tulip in Holland and how it was brought by him (and many other rare plants over the years) to England.

Left on a bench by the footpath

My daughter found the book on the White Horse ( landscape art work cut into chalk) and brought it to me while I was in hospital for radical surgery. Earthly Joys was a lifesaver. In the dark watches of my troubles, and sometimes literally inthe dark of the night, I read it adn it took me out of myself, gave me perspective on what I was going through, and dovetailed with my own personal knowledge and learning. My original training is as a historian, and I have been a ~Director of the English Civil War Society. its a prequel to the English civil war, a book aboput gardens and plant, a book about passions ( sexual, political, pserconal) and a historical travelogue. I loved it!!!