I found this book at an estate sale in pre-COVID 2020 (like literally a month before our world changed). I had just finished reading Deborah Harkness's A Discover of Witches series, so finding this book about Emperor Rudolf II's collection of plants was intriguing (if you've read the books, you'll understand the importance of Emperor Rudulf to the plot in book 2). A Discovery of Witches was an integral series in my return to reading for pleasure, which is why I bought this book - I wanted to hold on to that specialness a little longer, remain in the world that reignited my love of reading.

So, I've had this book for over 3 years and I had previously paged thru it but never sat with it and read it. It is a very short book but oh it was worth the wait. It is a lovely book of illustrations and when I see it on my bookshelf, from time to time, I will remember my return to stories and smile. ( )

Two artists in the court of Rudolph II, who never met, arranged these beautiful compositions. ( )