“From noted rosarian Peter Kukielski comes this unique and handsome book that traces the many ways that roses have captured human imagination throughout the history of civilization. . . . More than a litany of facts and figures, the book builds a compelling narrative through the ages that it investigates, making for an enjoyable education. . . . He concludes the book with a look to the present and future of the rose. How does the rose fit among changing climates, garden desires, and tastes? He outlines the current breeding and trialing efforts that are securing this storied flower’s place, making it a story with a happy, hopeful ending.”—Meghan Shinn, Horticulture
 

“Rosa: The Story of the Rose (with its 140 beautiful illustrations), by Peter E. Kukielski, is a gem. I love roses, and Kukielski has given me an even greater understanding of their history and beauty.”—Pat Leuchtman, Commonweeder.com

“Kukielski is the horticulturalist who famously curated the award-winning Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Garden from 2006 to 2014. He is the summa cum laude of this queen of the flowers and its deep history and lore. And this book­—heavy to hold in your lap, with its thick, rich pages, gorgeously produced by Yale University Press—is a coffee-table keeper.”—Beth Py-Lieberman, Washington Gardener

“An inspiring, beautifully illustrated book.”—Triangle Gardener

“A stunner.”—Tom Atwell, Portland Press Herald

“Rosa would be an outstanding gift all by itself — graced with more than 140 color illustrations (historical and recent) and richly packed with rose lore of every kind.”—William Scheick, Texas Gardener’s Seeds

“This beautifully illustrated guide tells the fascinating and many-layered stories of the ‘queen of flowers.’”—DJ Carey, Connecticut Cottages and Gardens
 

Winner of the top literary award from the World Federation of Rose Societies

“The authors present the most comprehensive exploration of the evolution, development, impact and importance of roses from antiquity to present times that I have ever found.”—Gaye Hammond, Past President of the Houston Rose Society

“Rosa emphasizes the wonder of the rose by tracing the many ways it has shaped cultures around the world. It is wonderfully and richly illustrated.”—Michael Marriott, Senior Rosarian at David Austin Roses, and Rose Garden Designer

“Rich in fascinating cultural history, Rosa takes us on a joyous visual romp through the stories and symbolism of the most iconic of all garden flowers.”—Peter Crane, author of Ginkgo: The Tree that Time Forgot