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Earthly Joys

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Earthly Joys

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: David Rintoul
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About this listen

 Another sweeping novel from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author…

Pre-order BOLEYN TRAITOR now – Philippa Gregory’s landmark return to the Tudor court, coming Autumn 2025 …

A brand-new recording available as an unabridged digital audio edition for the first time.

A traveller in a time of discovery, the greatest gardening pioneer of his day, yet a man of humble birth: John Tradescant's story is a mirror to the extraordinary age in which he lives.

As gardener and confidant to Sir Robert Cecil, Tradescant is well placed to observe the social and political changes that are about to sweep through the kingdom. While his master conjures intrigues at Court, Tradescant designs for him the magnificent garden at Hatfield, scouring the known world for ever more wonderful plants: new varieties of fruit and flower, the first horse chestnuts to be cultivated in England, even larches from Russia.

Moving to the household of the flamboyant Duke of Buckingham, Tradescant witnesses at first hand the growing division between Parliament and the people, and the most loyal of servants must find a way to become an independent squire.

©2018 Philippa Gregory (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Royalty

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Critic reviews

"When it comes to writers of historical fiction, Philippa Gregory is in the very top league." (Daily Mail)

"A hugely enjoyable and unexpectedly moving book." (Daily Telegraph)

"Vivid and enthralling good gripping stuff." (Sunday Times)
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would of liked more detail of the politics of the time but that is possibly not what the book was about

What an interesting life

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Any gardener would love this book and the history is fascinating as well, a real insight into what life was like for people in the past.

Gardeners Paradise

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Much to my surprise, a novel that places gardening and plants at the centre of the narrative has been a real page turner. Beautifully written

Engrossing

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Fascinating to hear both the life and works of John Tradescant and the interleaving history of his times. Both those interested in plants and their origins and the tempestuous nobles and royalty will enjoy this. The first Cabinet of Curiosities as well. A feast!

What a joyful book to listen to

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Escape into another time. Full of atmosphere and character. Sorry to finish this book but glad there are more in the series. About to start the next one... VIRGIN EARTH.

Relaxing read.. Loved it.

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Any one who reads this cannot help but respect and respond to the story a wonderful book

Excellent full of warmth and joy

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lovely story loved it sort of story i would listen to once again. well done to Phillipa Gregory

esrthly joys

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Fantastic book, a wonderful way to spend a few sunny afternoons.So entertaining 😀

wonderful listening

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Philippa has crafted a tale of roots and growth. With the growth of green, she brings to the the life the parallels of the characters. Some parts were a bit weary but the narration balanced it out.

There is more to a plant than meets my weary eyes

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Good story in an interesting part of history l knew very little about. Much too long though..? Would have preferred an abridged version with less of the boring domestic conversations and pious
ruminations that seem to go on for an eternity in some places. Nearly gave up in the first half, but persevered, and pace moved on a bit in the second. Glad l stuck with it though.

Interesting piece of history

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