The Paper Garden

An Artist Begins Her Life's Work at 72

By: Molly Peacock

Narrated by: Jill Tanner

In The Paper Garden, celebrated poet Molly Peacock explores the remarkable life of 18th-century British gentlewoman-turned-artist Mary Delany. In the 1770s, at the age of 72, the twice-widowed and nearly broke Delany turned her interest in botany into beautiful paper “mosaick” flowers still revered today.

©2010 Molly Peacock (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"[N]ot only an introduction to a unique artist, but also a whole bouquet of thoughts and observations about the flow of life.” ( Washington Post)

Inspirational

I loved this book. So much so I bought another book about the Mrs. Delaney. The book not only offered glimpses of what it was like to be a woman during the 17th century. but shared the story of a life that endured, sustained , and ‘bloomed’ despite a social structure where woman have less merit, opportunities, and choice. Mrs. Delaney went so far to create an identity at the late age of 72 that has endured well past the oppressors of her time. Truly inspirational.

Loved it!

This story was a lovely ramble through the life of Mary Delaney. It isn't a subject that I thought I'd enjoy but I did because it is very well written and narrated and Mary Delaney was extra-ordinary.

An amazing life beautifully described

I was ignorant of Mary Delaney and her work until very recently. I’m thrilled to have learned about her. Molly Peacock weaves her own life and experiences into the story of Mary, connecting past and present. She chronicles the stages of Mary’s life by deeply describing a few of the more than 900 flower portraits by the artist. It’s a thorough treatment of Mrs. D’s life and work with the bonus of the insight of Mrs. P’s experience. If you love art, science, craft, the 1700s, or a close look at the experiences of women, you will enjoy this book. If you think it’s too late to start your life’s work, this book could change your mind.

Purely enjoyable

I enjoyed being transported into the life and time of Mary Delaney and the author's ponderings of her creative life..

Great read!

I loved the poetic and very detailed descriptions Molly Peacock gives each flower that MD created both in it’s real and artistic concept. I enjoyed the intertwining stories of both MDelany and the author. Although other comments thought she talked too much about her our life stories, I thought well done!