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EXCELLENT.
The Graham Stuart Thomas Rose Book is actually three books in one. Thomas revised and enlarged his The Old Shrub Roses (first published in 1955), Roses of Today (1962), and Climbing Roses Old and New (1965) and combined them in this volume.
The Old Shrub Roses dealt with roses of the early nineteenth century -- Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, and many other old garden roses -- that were "rediscovered" on both sides of the Atlantic. Shrub Roses of Today focused on species and their hybrids, Chinas, and Hybrid Musks. Climbing Roses Old and New, as its title implies, was concerned with ramblers and climbers. Each book is considered a classic and has been reprinted numerous times. In addition to combining these three books, Thomas has added practical advice about planting, general cultivation, pruning, and display, new photographs, and illustrations by Redoute, as well as himself. Also included are references to color photographs and illustrations in other sources, if they exist, for many cultivars.
In the section entitled, From Other Pens, the reader will find Dr. C.C. Hurst's invaluable Notes on the Origin and Evolution of Our Garden Roses, and Gordon D. Rowley's The Botany of Climbing Roses and the Derivation of Some Garden Climbers.
Hundreds of roses are listed and described in detail. Historic and anecdotal information is also provided. The Graham Stuart Thomas Rose Book is one that no serious rosarian should be without. It is one of the most, if not the most, comprehensive works on the subject from the most eminent rosarian of our time.
