The Graham Stuart Thomas Rose Book

I love this book, but found it a little daunting when I first unwrapped it. It is not your standard "lots of beautiful pictures" book. There are a few pictures, but they are not particularly good. It is the writing and the information contained that make this book so valuable. I keep it on my bedside table now and browse through it regularly, to read the fascinating histories and yummy descriptions of roses.One thing that makes this book so excellent is the beautiful writing and the fact that he includes text and information from older rose resources/material that would be difficult to find without going to an extensive library. It is informative and gives detailed histories of old garden roses with descriptions that truly give you a feel for the roses. There is a rich section on propagation and the cultivation of roses, as well, although I found this less interesting than the historical information. I am particularly interested in Moss roses and this book had excellent material relating to the development of this type of rose, as well as all the other categories such as Portlands, Gallicas, Albas, etc. If you are confused by the categories, you cannot find a better source for explaining how these classes are different and how they may have come into being. I highly recommend it for people who are interested in history and development of roses. I have not seen a better book in this category, and I have quite a number of rose books.If you are fascinated with the history of the rose, you should get this book--I read this time and time again when considering additions to my garden or when I simply want to know more about the old garden roses I grow and get the characterists of the various classes of rose straight in my mind.

A foundational text for anybody serious about rose gardening. Thomas has perhaps more to say about roses than anyone else. And he says it better than most. The color plates seem a little dated, but they are still useful. Most useful is the text, however. If you are serious about rose gardening, this is one to have on your shelf.

Designing a classic garden with herbs, perennials, boxwood, and of course, roses. Read Graham Stuart Thomas's The Old Shrub Roses and loved it. Very informative regarding history of roses as well as growing habits of individual roses. Thrilled to find this book compiling three of his classic books in an updated version. Even more excited about the condition and price of the used book - like new and very inexpensive. Already have many expenses with plants, tools, soil amendments, etc. so really appreciate the book. Arrived early, too!

Beautiful book in perfect condition!

Long ago I got the original three works, The Old Shrub Roses, Shrub Roses of Today, and Climbing Roses Old and New, which I have treasured greatly. The current work is a union of the three in one volume, printed in a larger format, revised, and with a multitude of new color photographs. You need this book. The seller provided a brand-new unread copy and it arrived as it were even before I submitted the order, or so it seemed.

I am astonished at the expanse of knowledge of Graham Thomas, and as I read this book I am gaining a lot of knowledge about old roses. I thought I knew something about these old flowers, but I think by reading this book I've learned more than I already knew. A must have for serious rosarians.

This book is a great reference book in my research to learn about old garden roses and species roses. It contains information to help me identify and classify old garden roses and gives me important information on caring for these roses.

great remembrances of a great rosarian, and a lot of info.

Great book even though is is now a few years old. The revised book is made up of GS Thomas's trilogy of rose books. Nicely bound, some of the older books by Dent,fall apart in the bindings. So I am pleased to have the book in one revised edition.

A great book, in depth packed with masses of information. Essential for those who love roses as insights into growing in different areas with different species/cultivars is necessary to grasp.

An excellent book for the enthusiast. More of a book to dip in and out of than a good read . Very glad I got it.

A really fine book. The color plates are from the Ellen Willmott book "The Genus rosa", the illustrated by Alfred Parsons

I purchased this book as a birthday present for my wife. She loves the book, what more can be said?