Earthly Joys

by Philippa Gregory

Book Overview

#1 New York Times bestselling author and "queen of royal fiction" (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory brings to life the passionate, turbulent times of seventeenth-century England as seen through the eyes of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0007228473
• ISBN13: 9780007228478
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: HarperTorch
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Beautiful book

Not in a long time have I enjoyed a book by Philippa Gregory so much. Set in the early seventeenth century when England was on the brink of entering into the modern world, this book follows the story of John Tradescant, a gardener who loyally follows two great men: Robert Cecil, and then George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. The narrative is ambitious, covering the Gunpowder Plot against James I in 1604, through the Dutch tulip trading mania in the 1610s, through a war with the French in the 1620s. It ends just before the Civil War, which began in 1640. John's loyalty to his masters is complete, unassuming. When the book opens, he is the gardener for Robert Cecil, adviser to the king. Tradescant's reputation as a gardener is widespread, and the Duke of Buckingham, lover to James I and Charles I, desires that John should come to his palace to garden. Against the wishes of his wife, John goes; and his travels around the world will test their marriage. Warning: there is sex in this book, so it is not for the faint of heart. But it is a wonderful book that explores the love between two men which is poignant and heartbreaking at some points. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it. Also recommended: The Other Boleyn Girl and the Wideacre trilogy.

Savored Those Earthly Joys

After reading and thoroughly enjoying Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl" recently, I decided to pick another of her novels at random. As luck would have it, I picked the second book of the "Earthly Joys" trilogy, and within the first 20 pages, was captivated by the despair and determination of John Tradescant. Rather than continue the book, I set it aside and eagerly awaited the arrival of book one, "Earthly Joys". I've just finished that book, and am thoroughly immersed in the sense of the Tradescant family's devotion to each other, and to a greater degree, the expansion of their nursery and gardens in England. Throughout the story, Gregory uses a keen eye for descriptive detail, making it easy to feel as though I was seeing things from each character's perspective. As in any family saga, there are soaring joys and crushing sorrows, but throughout this story, there was such a sense of exploration. John Tradescant evolves from simple gardener to partner and confidant of kings and leaders. As the story of his life and family spans from 1603 to 1638 (in this book), the family is challenged in their spiritual beliefs, and must question the nature of their servitude and loyalty to king and country. The backdrop to the entire story is a series of master gardens, described in exquisite and interesting detail -- I could envision the expanse of brilliant gold daffodils, sense the cool shade beneath a walk covered in yew trees, nearly hear the growth of buds bursting forth from trees planted lovingly over the years. As the king, queen and their courtiers descend on various castles and gardens throughout the story, Gregory provides background on how the gardens provision the lavish parties and feasts, and must always be ready to feed hundreds of people. It was a fascinating aspect that I had not previously considered. And now begins the second book, "Virgin Earth", in which J, John Tradescant's son and heir to the family business, escapes England's civil war, and the loss of his wife, by journeying to Virginia. He is commanded by the king to bring back new and rare plants for the queens gardens. For those who love to lose themselves in well written stories, then by all means, allow yourself the pleasure of "Earthly Joys".

A beautifully stunning book.

This is the first and the only Philippa Gregory book I have read. I was apprehensive at first, but was I ever glad that I tried this one. Earthly Joys opens ones eyes to the world of gardens, green leafs, grass, trees, flowers... the description of nature so sensual, one can alsmost smell the fresh cut grass and the fragrance of the flowers... the beauty of the landscapes.. One can feel the blades of grass... the soft leaves, smell the flowers as John does. What captures you most is the way it is all described....

Let John garden in peace and the sequel come out in print!

As an avid reader of English historical novels, I never have read a novel thinking the history was in the way of this intimate love story. Which was more intense - John Tradescant's love of his gardens and horticulture, his love for his family, or his love and duty to his lord and country? We can't wait to see what his son will accomplish in America!

A sensuous, beautiful book!

The author tells the story of the legendary 17th century English gardener John Tradescant leisurely and clearly because he is a man of the earth, but when the story mounts and he meets the love of his life the writing is obsessive and often exquisite, and the more unusual because the love is nothing like he could have expected and he is by then sixty years old. I had tears in my eyes. An unforgettable character. I am also an English historical novelist writing of the same century and I was swept away.