LILIES - RHS Lily Group

Notes on selected works
1873 Notes on Lilies and Their Culture (Benham & Harrison)
This is probably the first book on the subject following the works of Spae and
Duchartre in France, and Baker in the UK, whereupon each had recently published
papers on Lilies. This work is an important historical document which is worth
reading and has useful notes on the history, ecology and cultivation of the genus.
1879 Lilies and Their Culture (Second Edition) (Dr Wallace)
The work is described as “This little pamphlet on Lilies” by its author; published
on a steam press, and dedicated to none other than Mrs Bateman 1 , a famous
horticulturist. The 1873 work of Benham and Harrison is brought up to date and
with 215 pages the quality of the material is extremely good.
Illustrations are by means of woodcuts, some of which are quite exceptional,
and superior to some of today’s colour photography.
Apart from some of the nomenclature, which is out of date, the contents of this
book are just as relevant today as they were when first published.
1880 A Monograph on the Genus Lilium (H.J. Elwes)
Elwes’ famous Monograph was produced with no consideration for expense,
and having just completed his five-volume work with Augustine Henry, The
Trees of Great Britain and Ireland, he decided that what was required was a
book of exceptional quality, some editions having hand-coloured plates which
were reproduced full-scale in folio. Such was the quality of this work that a
similar sized supplement was published soon after, and subsequent paperback
supplements were published right up until 1962.
The Monograph is regarded as one of the great horticultural and botanical
works of any genus and this is reflected in its scarcity and asking price. The
going rate for a full set as a result of speculation was up until recently eight to
ten thousand pounds. However within the last year an almost mint copy was
sold at auction for five and a half thousand pounds.
It is rather sad that most of Britain’s foremost Botanic Gardens and horticultural
institutions together with lily enthusiasts rarely ever see a copy, let alone own,
this work.
1901 Lilies for English Gardens (Gertrude Jekyll)
Gertrude Jekyll requires no introduction today and in 1901 her fame was already
1 Mrs Bateman was the wife of James Bateman the creator of the remarquable garden at
Biddulph Grange.
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