The Language of Flowers

With gorgeous full-color illustrations, ornate decorative elements, lettering in metallic ink, and engaging text, The Language of Flowers: A Fully Illustrated Compendium of Meaning, Literature, and Lore for the Modern Romantic is a treasure for flower lovers. A sumptuous, contemporary anthology of 50 of the world’s most storied and popular flowers, each of its entries offers insight to the flower meanings associated with the bloom, and is a fascinating mix of folklore, classic mythology, literature, botanical information and popular culture.

Following an introduction that provides a short history of the language of flowers, a fad which reached its peak during the reign of Queen Victoria, each uniquely illustrated and designed entry is an enjoyable read full of history and little-known facts. Here is the story of Tulipmania; how the pansy got its “face,” and why the most particular pollination process of a certain orchid has made the vanilla bean a very dear commodity. You’ll also discover how Christian Dior’s passion for lily of the valley inspired his classic perfume Diorissimo and its extraordinary bottle; why Oscar Wilde had a penchant for wearing green carnations in his lapel; and how Greeks and Romans believed snapdragons could ward off witchcraft, so they planted them at entryways to their homes.

With more than a dozen two-page paintings evoking the romance of noteworthy Victorian gardens and symbolic bouquets, a cross-referenced index of flowers and meanings, and suggestions for further reading, this beautiful book is a must for lovers of floriology and Victoriana.

Inside this beautifully rendered volume you’ll discover:
A Modern Guide to Floriography: Explore the Victorian language of flowers, a fad that peaked during Queen Victoria’s reign, and learn the secret coded messages they sent with their bouquets.Mythology and Folklore: Uncover the story of Tulipmania, how the pansy got its “face,” and why the unique pollination process of a certain orchid made the vanilla bean a dear commodity.Cultural History: Find out how Christian Dior’s passion for lily of the valley inspired his classic perfume and why Oscar Wilde had a penchant for wearing green carnations in his lapel.Sumptuous Botanical Illustrations: Lose yourself in more than a dozen two-page paintings that evoke the romance of noteworthy Victorian gardens and symbolic bouquets.Comprehensive Reference: Featuring a cross-referenced index of flowers and their meanings, this book is an essential gift for flower lovers of floriology and Victoriana.