Paradisi in Sole: John Parkinson's Landmark 17th Century Gardening Work
In 1629, John Parkinson published Paradisi in Sole Paradisus Terrestris, a work that fundamentally shifted the way gardens were perceived in England. While earlier botanical texts focused primarily on the utility of plants for food or medicine, Parkinson's masterpiece introduced a revolutionary concept: the garden as an object of aesthetic beauty.
Regarded as one of the first literary works dedicated to gardening in England, the text is a comprehensive guide covering nearly 1,000 plants. It blends practical horticultural advice with a deep appreciation for the visual splendor of nature, marking a transition from the functional herbal to the ornamental garden guide.
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Key Facts
- Author: John Parkinson, who was granted the title botanicus regius primarius (the king's botanist) by Charles I.
- Publication Date: First published in 1629 and dedicated to Queen Henrietta Maria.
- Scope: Describes nearly 1,000 plants with 108 full-page woodcut illustrations.
- Structure: Divided into specialized sections for food, pleasure, flowers, and orchards.
- Significance: One of the first English works to prioritize the ornamental value of plants over purely medicinal or practical uses.
Publication and Legacy
The original 1629 edition was a luxury folio consisting of 612 pages. Due to its lavish illustrations and high production quality, it was significantly more expensive than other gardening books of the era, targeting the gentry and the social elite.
The work's influence persisted through several later editions, including those published in 1656 by "R. N." and 1669 by H. Lownes and R. Young. In the modern era, its historical value was preserved through a 1904 reprint by Methuen and a 1976 facsimile by Dover.
Content and Garden Design
The title of the work contains an interlingual pun: Paradisi in sole translates to "park in sun," a play on the author's name, Parkinson. The second part, Paradisus terrestris, refers to the "terrestrial paradise" or the Garden of Eden, which is also depicted in the book's frontispiece.
Parkinson organized the text into distinct categories to help readers design their spaces:
- Pleasure Gardens: Focused on beauty and relaxation.
- Flower Gardens: Dedicated to ornamental blooms.
- Kitchen Gardens: Focused on food production.
- Orchard Gardens: Where Parkinson recommended the quincunx (a geometric pattern of five points, four forming a square and one in the center) as the ideal model for planting.
The text also highlights Parkinson's relationship with his friend John Tradescant. A copy of the work held at the Bodleian Library contains personal notes from Tradescant regarding plants added to his own garden between 1629 and 1633.
Summary of Paradisi in Sole
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Plants Described | Nearly 1,000 |
| Illustrations | 108 full-page woodcuts |
| Page Count | 612 pages (folio) |
| Primary Focus | Practical advice and aesthetic beauty |
| Target Audience | The gentry / elevated social classes |
Critical Analysis
Historians and scholars view Paradisi as a bridge between different genres. Scholar Rebecca Bushnell notes that Parkinson attempted to exceed the boundaries of the traditional herbal by itemizing plants based on their value as ornaments rather than just their practical utility.
While the work established a hierarchy of plants for the wealthy, it remained grounded in reality. Historian Ann Leighton points out Parkinson's pragmatism, noting that he acknowledged that not every garden could be a perfect aesthetic paragon due to the limitations of the home it was attached to. This down-to-earth approach was a radical departure from the rigid standards of European garden design at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the title "Paradisi in Sole" mean?
The title is an interlingual pun. "Paradisi in sole" translates to "park in sun," which is a play on the author's surname, Parkinson.
Who was the book dedicated to?
The first edition of the work, published in 1629, was dedicated to Queen Henrietta Maria.
How did this book differ from other botanical texts of its time?
Unlike traditional herbals that focused on medicine or food, Paradisi celebrated the aesthetic beauty of flowers and gardens, treating them as objects of art and ornament.
What is a quincunx in the context of Parkinson's orchards?
The quincunx is a specific geometric arrangement of trees—four forming a square with one in the center—which Parkinson proposed as the correct "Modell" for orchard gardens.
What title did King Charles I give to John Parkinson?
In recognition of his work on Paradisi, King Charles I granted Parkinson the title of botanicus regius primarius, which roughly translates to the king's botanist.