Does the black rose exist, or has it ever existed? The complete history of this noble flower, based on authentic research, shows that the quest goes back to the very earliest botanical writings - references to dark roses cropped up in the early European botanical literature. Their further evolution can be easily traced by rose drawings, from the end of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth century. Later, rose collections came into existence, rose collectors became famous and, from the end of the eighteenth century, rose gardeners received more and more recognition for their selections. This prestigious book, in a velvety soft cover, brings the full story of the black rose, based on original research, from the oldest historical images to the most recent developments, and prominent florists of world-renown show their creations with roses.