{HISTORY}

Not every antique book comes with a pretty piece of paper ephemera from the era in which it was published, but this 1925 edition of The Enemies of the Rose includes one such delight from horticultural history.

Paper clipped on the inside cover is a receipt for membership to the National Rose Society in London for the year 1930.  The receipt is made out to Jackson & Perkins Co., a New York-based rose grower first founded in 1872, and who went on to become one of the most well-known growers of hybridized roses in the world. 

The National Rose Society was founded in Great Britain in 1876 to cultivate and celebrate an interest in rose-growing and breeding through exhibits, educational outreach, and competitions. It was praised by the British royal family in the late 1800s, and throughout the 20th century, future generations continued their affiliation with the society. In 1965, at the request of Queen Elizabeth, the Society was renamed The Royal National Rose Society.

Enjoying not only an active patronage but also was responsible for amassing a large collection of rose specimens for study, appreciation, and breeding purposes, it continued to bring interest and education to rose enthusists around the globe into the 21st century. Unfortunately, in 2017, the Society disbanded due to financial reasons. While they may no longer be active today but the fruits of their work are still appreciated within the rose community today. 

First published in 1908, The Enemies of the Rose offers a naturalist's look at the pests and diseases that affect rose plants in particular. Written by esteemed British entomologist Frederick Theobold (1868-1930) and distinguished British mycologist John Ramsbottom (1885-1974), it is laid out like a field guide with color plates, line drawings, and detailed information about causes, effects, life cycles, and proven eradication methods.  A handy guide for quick reference and identification for the contemporary rose grower, and also a lovely artifact from the illustrious 20th-century rose industry for the collector, this volume is the revised edition published in 1925. 

Portrait of Frederick Theobald (with mustache) courtesy of the Wellcome Collection. Portrait of John Ramsbottom courtesy of Curtis Gates Lloyd.

{SPECIAL FEATURES} 

• Published in 1925 
• 165 pages 
• Includes color plates, and black and white line drawings by British illustrator Frances Bunyard drawings 
• Includes paper ephemera dating to the 1930s

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition, this book is clean and bright throughout. Two pages at the back contain slight watermarks along the top edge. If you are sensitive to old book scents, this one is tinged with a faint perfumed scent that smells like magnolia flowers. The paper receipt is in excellent condition. The paper clip has left a rust mark on the first four pages of the interior.