This gorgeous keepsake showcases the skillful artwork of two men who dedicated their lives to botanical illustration, the Belgian Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) and his English contemporary, James Sowerby (1757-1822).

The beautiful rose plates featured within are original reproductions of drawings which came to life in England’s Kew Gardens, the Gardens of Versailles, and at the Château de Malmaison, the residence of Napoleon’s first wife. Each plate is artfully reproduced from the extraordinarily images found in Redouté’s Les Roses (1817-21) and Sowerby’s English Botany (1780-1814). A comprehensive index at the back of the book uses the artists’ original language to describe the intricacies of the rose colors, their velvety textures, and their intoxicating scents.

To bring this lovely book into the 21st century, the paperback format and low price make this rare and significant volume accessible and affordable. A DVD is also included with images of the roses to be used by readers at their discretion.