Description
Book Synopsis'A fascinating exploration of human greed and self-delusion and also a tribute to our ageless search for beauty' DEBORAH MOGGACH.
Trade Review[Dash] has the storyteller's knack of making his readers feel present in the sweaty, smoke-filled taverns of Haalem ... a shining tribute to this extraordinary flower * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *
A marvellous parable of greed, skulduggery, opulence, extravagance and retribution -- Simon Singh
A fascinating exploration of human greed and self-delusion and also a tribute to our ageless search for beauty -- Deborah Moggach
Detailed and highly readable * DAILY TELEGRAPH *
An enthusiastic historian's view of the subject with lots of colourful detail -- Jan Morris, Books of the Year * INDEPENDENT *
I can't remember the last time I read a plant book or a gardening book that was such a page-turner. The story is a gift, of course - but the grip lies in the telling ... Such is the artistry of the writing that you will mop it all up, sponge like, and absorb it as you pursue the twists and turns of the story * HORTUS *
A fine chapter of social history - enticing, splendidly written and informative * KIRKUS *
Gripping ... a happy weight of detail * GUARDIAN *
The fast-paced text brings to life the excitement caused in Europe by the introduction of this exotic flower from the East * BBC GARDENERS' WORLD *
