The Hidden Histories of Flowers: Fascinating Stories of Flora

by Maddie Bailey, Alice Bailey

The Hidden Histories of Flowers reveals the captivating world of flowers.  

From the symbolism and meaning behind flowers and how these have evolved over time, to how humans interact with flowers based on cultural and geographical differences, to how flowers have been coveted for their medicinal aspects as well as for their visual merits, The Hidden Histories of Flowers showcases fascinating details of flowers and our relationship with them.  

If you find yourself wondering about the deeper meanings behind flowers and are keen to investigate their inner workings and place in history, The Hidden Histories of Flowers is the perfect place to begin your exploration.  

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, History, Gardening, Science

160 pages, Hardcover

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[micky :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I’m obsessed with flowers now. I really wanna get into the cooking the recipes seemed so interesting and fun, I gotta pick it up as a hobby. Passionate flowers are my new favorites they are the coolest looking things. Definitely want to dive into this world some more!!

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and accessible book that offers a gentle introduction to the cultural, historical, and symbolic lives of flowers.

The artwork is a real highlight. It’s richly coloured and so inviting. It makes you want to savour the book. Even flipping the pages to view them over and over is enjoyable.

There are some interesting sections. I enjoyed reading about poisonous and edible flowers, as well as the historical and cultural roles certain plants have played. The discussion of flowers as markers of history and tradition is thoughtfully done, and there are moments that make you see familiar plants differently.

The book is simply written and very approachable. You don’t need to be a gardener or have any botanical background to enjoy it. It’s more about curiosity than expertise.

I wish it went further. The detail feels selective rather than comprehensive, and I would have loved to see more plants included or certain topics explored in greater depth.

Overall, this is a pleasant, well-designed book with some engaging insights.

[Denita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little informative book. I especially enjoyed reading the chapters on Weeds & Wildfowers, Poisonous Flowers & how the flower markets work in Holland.
I love this statement at the end of the book - "Research overwhelmingly shows the positive impact that flowers and plants have on our mental health, productivity, problem-solving and general mood....."
I'm sure the majority of people enjoy receiving or buying flowers 💐

[Emily Wotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative with beautiful illustrations ☺️ do wish there was pictures for each flower mentioned and found the last chapter about flower auctioning etc a bit unnecessary. But overall a lovely book 🌸

[Mauricio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short read but I so wished it added the drawings next to the sections instead of the beginning of the chapter since if you don't know what the flower looks like it is really hard to tell what flower they are talking about. Specially with something like flowers that people have been illustrating for tover 1000 years.

[Jeanne Fellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history on some flowers. A good light book to be distracted from the world around.

[Femke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shout out to this whole chapter dedicated to my hometown and its famous flower markets. Was not expecting that lol

[Kt Wakeling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowery and informative, loved the information about flower auctions

[Lottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that I'll most certainly be returning to for years to come - not only are the illustrations utterly gorgeous, but the text is so informative, from the language of flowers to the biology and history, this is such a fun and educational book. I had read up on Floriography previously but knew little about the historical uses of certain flowers - the stories of poisoning were fascinating! - and their physical structures and sex cycles, this has just made me hunger for further reading.

Not adding to favourites as I can't forgive a h*rry p*tter reference in a book published in 2024.

[Maria Hammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden Histories of Flowers: Fascinating Stories of Flora by Maddie Bailey and Alice Bailey offers a delightful journey into the world of flowers. Through research and vivid storytelling, the authors delve into the rich histories and symbolic significance of various floral species, revealing a tapestry of cultural, historical, and botanical insights. This book is a delightful blend of education and entertainment, certain to enchant both flower lovers and curious readers alike. ❤️

[Kristi Thielen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming book with large, colorful artwork and interesting stories about where certain garden flowers, wildflowers are cultivated, and what is a weed – or not really a weed.

The authors are British sisters, daughter to a “mum” with a flower farm and their enthusiasm for flowers and their celebration of what role flowers play in culture and human mental health, is infectious.

In addition to flower stories, the book also gives background to flower giving holidays and to flowers which can – and should be – used in cooking and baking. Some of their suggestions sound truly delicious!

The book ends with a trip the authors take to the Netherlands to see the background of the Dutch flower market. This includes not just information about how flowers are grown but also about the complex auctioning that takes place as buyers vie to obtain the best stock of their sought-after blooms. Is it a bit discouraging to hear that much of what was once done by humans, is now done mechanically or by computer? Well, that’s the modern world.

A very enjoyable read.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very pretty book, and very pleasing to hold - the pages and illustrations are lovely. It was filled with factoids about flowers and plants from different parts of the globe, though in a lot of cases, I wanted more information and a level deeper! I didn't particularly like the last part of the book about flower sales, but was hoping for a little bit more natural history of wild flowers.

[Rita Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good parts. For me, only about 50% was good. I wasn’t interested in how to cook and bake with flowers or how the Netherlands’ flower business works, But info about flowers, their pollinators, their toxicity and history, was good.

[Chanel Chapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Really interesting books about flowers - the illustrations are GORGEOUS - but WHY did they not illustrate every flower entry??

https://youtube.com/@ChanelChapters

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book to add to my collection. And I got to support an independent bookseller.

[Withani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has to be one of the most beautiful books I have ever held. Too bad the narrative felt a bit juvenile and patronizing. Still, it is a visual feast for the eyes!

[Glenys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful and interesting.

[Francis Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, charming, easy to read, and I learned a little.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and decent. It is a pretty book (I have the hard cover) and I learned a few things!

[Maria Tander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introductory book for flower fans! Covers history and meanings, folklore, edible flowers, and how pollination works!