Platt was the
author of Floraes Paradise (1608) and a second
edition called The Garden of Eden (1653). There
were four subsequent editions.
He was a country gentleman, the most famous of
Elizabethan gardening authorities and has been called
"the most ingenious husbandman of the age he lived
in." He received a generous allowance from his father
after leaving college and devoted much time to
literary work. He became keenly interested in
agriculture and gardening and communicated with many
authorities. His own gardens were famous. In his day
he was a recognized authority on soils and manures and
was the author of many mechanical inventions for which
he was knighted by James I.
He was also author of the smallest and most
charming of all "still room" books. Delightes of
Ladies to adorne their Persons, Tables, Closets, and
distillatories with Beauties, banquets,perfumes and
waters. Reade, Practise, and Censure (1602). It
was probably the most prized of all Elizabethan garden
books. The chapter headings give one a rather clear
idea of its contents as: "The Art of Preserving,
Conserving, and Candying, etc.", "Secrets in
Distillation", "Cookery and Housewifery," "Sweet
Powders, Ointments, Beauties, etc.". This book was
read by wives of noblemen, yeomen, and squires. Platt
was well aware that directions should be given to
means of preserving food until the subsequent
harvest.
