The Oxford Book of Garden Verse

It is hard to better poetry as a source for understanding the importance of the garden to human society. There have been other collections of garden verse, but it would be difficult to find one as thorough, intelligent and satisfying as this. It should be on every literate gardeners shelf. TLS `by far the best such anthology yet compiled' Rosemary Pettit, Bookseller 'It is the inclusion of a generous number of poems by living writers that gives this anthology its freshness.' Anne Scott-James, Daily Mail 'a fascinating new anthology of verse from Oxford University Press' David Vickerman, Western Mail 'Anyone who enjoys gardens and gardening could find that this anthology becomes their favourite bedside book. John Dixon Hunt's selection is so deliciously varied and so full of unfamiliar gems that it will surely win over even a normally unpoetical garden-lover.' Patricia Morison, The Oldie 'promises to 'delight all those who garden and enjoy gardens, and who relish thje astonishing variety of poetry the garden has inspired' Roddy Llewellyn, The Mail on Sunday `a pleasure to read for all, regardless of how green their fingers may be' Oxford Times 'an exhilarating mix of poetry, medieval and modern, haunting and humorous, on topics ranging from college garden to conservatory, potting shed and allotment' Dilly Halpin, Oxford Times 'The anthology is certainly a pleasant read for all, regardless of how green their fingers may be.' Emma Howell, Oxford Times 'I have always been disappointed by garden anthologies, which rely too heavily on well-known classics and doggerel, but John Dixon-Hunt breaks the mould with the range and depth of his selection. Francesca Greenoak, The Times 'here are 239 English-language poems - romantic, witty, robust, wistful, sad and luxuriant - which will appeal to all who delight in gardens and poetry' Sunday Telegraph 'a lovely collection of poems from the Middle Ages ... to contemporary poets ... Full of memorable imagery and wonderful descriptions, it is a book to treasure.' Day by Day 'here are 239 English-language poems - romantic, witty, robust, wistful, sad and luxuriant - which will appeal to all who delight in gardens and poetry' Sunday Telegraph