by Brian Willan.
Softcover (6.2×9.2 inches). 188 pages. 2022.
Subtitle: From Dublin’s Botanic Gardens to the Killing Fields of Gallipoli
This bio of Charles Frederick Ball follows him from his childhood through botanical studies to Kew Gardens and Dublin’s Botanic Gardens and to Gallipoli.
Ball certainly knew his plants and became a pre-WWI expert on a full range of botanical topics. He interned at the prestigious Kew Gardens and then left for better opportunities that eventually found him in Dublin. He became editor of Irish Gardening and was on expeditions to Europe to bring back new plant species. A highlight was an interview with the horticulture enthusiast Ferdinand I, the King of Bulgaria.
WWI started and Ball eventually joined up. He was sent to Gallipoli and lived through the landings, assaults, and trench warfare. Ironically, he died from a stray Turkish shell that struck a rest camp in Suvla Bay.
The bulk of this book is all about plants. After a short description of training camp, Gallipoli receives a description of trench and other conditions. His actions include saving his friend’s life, a harrowing trip to the hospital ship, and an argument with a naval officer that in no uncertain terms his friend was going to be put on that hospital ship.
The book contains a multitude of plant illustrations — and a few of Gallipoli, too.
It’s a nice bio of a semi-famous gardener in Edwardian England and Ireland. It reads smoothly, the imagery is interesting to see, and you’ll learn about horticulture.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
