You know that a rose by any other name is just as sweet, but did you know how many names there are for roses? “Pink Ladies & Crimson Gents: Portraits and Legends of 50 Roses” by Molly and Don Glentzer (Crown Publishing Group, $22.50) blends the histories of romantic, noble and literary figures such as Napoleon, Don Juan, Goethe, Ophelia and Jeanne D’Arc with the thorned beauties that borrowed their names. Fifty full-color photographs accompany the biography of each rose, creating a storied and elegant family tree.

For a 3-D visual accompaniment, stop by the Richmond Rose Society Show, an annual show featuring specimen roses and consulting experts May 24 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Tickets are $6-$10. Call 262-9887 or visit www.lewisginter.org for more details.