The Military Orchid

In this enchanting memoir, Jocelyn Brooke recounts his lifelong passion for wild flowers and homemade pyrotechnics, kindled during his youth in Kent's picturesque Elham Valley. At the heart of his tale lies an obsession with a particularly rare and exquisite bloom: the military orchid, Orchis militaris.

Spanning three decades and two world wars, Brooke's quest for this elusive flower takes him from the Libyan desert to Italian woodlands, and across the chalk downs of southern England. Set against the backdrop of his quintessentially British upbringing and military service, the narrative weaves together botanical exploration, personal reflection, and delightful satire.

Brooke paints a vivid picture of his world, populated by snobbish neighbours, eccentric schoolmasters, and no-nonsense sergeants. The result is a masterful blend of memoir, botanical treatise, and comic observation that has earned high praise from literary luminaries. Kingsley Amis lauded Brooke as "brilliant and exciting", whilst John Betjeman declared him "as subtle as the devil". Anthony Powell considered Brooke among the most intriguing and talented writers to emerge in the post-war era.

The Military Orchid stands as a testament to Brooke's singular voice and enduring legacy in British literature, offering readers a captivating journey through nature, memory, and the peculiarities of English life.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9781908213051
Book Author:	David Inshaw
Book Format:	Paperback / softback
Book Imprint:	Little Toller Books
Book Publisher:	Little Toller Books
Book Dimensions:	216 x 162 x 13 cm
Book Publication Date:	2012-01-15
Book Pagination:	152 pages, 30 colour illustrations
Book Weight:	238g