Shakespeare’s Gardens

by Jackie Bennett

Shakespeare’s Gardens is such a visually appealing book! I loved the many photos and their evocation of places and other times. I also like that this title examines different places in Shakespeare’s life, not just the well known Anne Hathaway’s cottage. There are chapters on Tudor Gardens, Shakespeare’s birth place, Mary Arden’s farm, Hall Croft and more in addition to the home of Anne. There is a lot to learn in a book that seems like a nice accompaniment for fans of Hamnet, among others.

The author points out that Shakespeare not only lived during exciting historical times but also in a time of richness for gardens with imports from Peru, Mexico and Asia, for example. The appearance in Shakespeare’s plays of common garden elements and the flowers of his time is also noted in the helpful introduction. The book goes on to be very informative and interesting. I recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.