Summary

Another sweeping novel from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author…

Pre-order BOLEYN TRAITOR now – Philippa Gregory’s landmark return to the Tudor court, coming Autumn 2025 …

A brand-new recording available as an unabridged digital audio edition for the first time.

A traveller in a time of discovery, the greatest gardening pioneer of his day, yet a man of humble birth: John Tradescant's story is a mirror to the extraordinary age in which he lives.

As gardener and confidant to Sir Robert Cecil, Tradescant is well placed to observe the social and political changes that are about to sweep through the kingdom. While his master conjures intrigues at Court, Tradescant designs for him the magnificent garden at Hatfield, scouring the known world for ever more wonderful plants: new varieties of fruit and flower, the first horse chestnuts to be cultivated in England, even larches from Russia.

Moving to the household of the flamboyant Duke of Buckingham, Tradescant witnesses at first hand the growing division between Parliament and the people, and the most loyal of servants must find a way to become an independent squire.
©2018 Philippa Gregory (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"When it comes to writers of historical fiction, Philippa Gregory is in the very top league." (Daily Mail)

"A hugely enjoyable and unexpectedly moving book." (Daily Telegraph)

"Vivid and enthralling good gripping stuff." (Sunday Times)
All stars
Most relevant
Certainly not fast-paced, but a beautifully rich story that has nowhere to be any time soon. Loved the luxury of it and learned a little around the history of gardening too.

Beautiful historic garden references and a rambling rose of a story

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I adore Philippa Gregory’s work but this book really stood out. It’s simply wonderful. A true story of what it is to find one’s passions in life. Thrilling, joyful and sometimes heartbreaking. Her research into the subject is, as always, impeccable and the narration was really good. What a joy to listen to.

Utterly beautiful

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she makes you love all the characters and love gardening. great read. I would highly recommend

Wonderful. As good as her usual high standard.

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Much to my surprise, a novel that places gardening and plants at the centre of the narrative has been a real page turner. Beautifully written

Engrossing

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I absolutely loved everything about this book. As a horticulturist and garden designer, I was fascinated by the history of Tradescant’s life, his plant collecting, gardening and the design of gardens that still exist today. By setting within the history of the times he lived through and his family life, helps to understand the period. Don’t be put off if you’re not interested in plants or history though, it’s a great story, well written and told.

Absolutely loved this book

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