Promenade dans des jardins disparus: les plantes du Moyen âge d'après les 'Grandes heures d'Anne de Bretagne: Biblio- thèque nationale de France, Ms. latin 9474. 2017. illus.(col.). 243 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.- In French.

Les Grandes Heures d'Anne de Bretagne, a manuscript commissioned by the queen in the 16th century, features 337 plants painted realistically by illuminator Jean Bourdichon and his workshop in the margins throughout its pages. This gem of the Bibliothèque nationale de France is precious and fragile. As a result, few people have had access to it over the centuries.

Having had this privilege, the author wanted to share her wonder. She therefore drew on the knowledge and rigour she had acquired, both as a gardener (amateur, but nevertheless passionate!) and during her career as an archaeological engineer at the CNRS.


She patiently studied each of these plants, painted so realistically against their gold background. Then, grouping them together by family and affinity, she composed a virtual but plausible landscape, with trees, fields, vineyards and gardens...

She takes us on an imaginary journey, during which we discover all these plants, their origins, legends, roles and uses. Whether stars or humble supporting actors, they were and remain the very essence of life, as we rediscover. For those of us who today are increasingly turning to their beneficial powers, this book is a source of discovery, wonder and admiration.