A superb addition to every rose-lover's library! This is the mysterious story of a more than four-century old quest for the black rose. Does the black rose exist, or has it ever existed? The complete history of this noble flower, based on in-depth research, shows that the quest goes back to the very earliest botanical writings - references to dark roses cropped up in early European botanical literature. Further evolution of the story can be easily traced by rose drawings, from the end of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth century. This beautiful reference book, enhanced by a velvety soft cover, brings the full story of the black rose to life.