Tussie-Mussies: The Victorian Art of Expressing Yourself in the Language of Flowers

by Geraldine Adamich Laufer, Chipp Jamison, Starr Ockenga (Photographer)

Rediscover the language of flowers, and the art of sending floral messages. A celebration of craft, lore, and language, Tussie Mussies is a stunning, full-color guide to tussie mussies, how to make them, and how the symbolic meanings of flowers and herbs have developed over centuries. Dubbed a Floral Poet, Geri Laufer shows how to make 60 bouquets--tussie mussies to declare Ardent Love, say Happy Birthday, wish Congratulations, express Sympathy, celebrate a Newborn, mark an Anniversary, or honor a Mentor. Selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club, Newbridge Book Club, and the Garden Book Club. Photographs by Starr Ockenga and Chipp Jamison

Genres: Nonfiction, Victorian, History, Crafts

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 1993

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A ‘tuzzy mussy’ is a bunch or spray of flowers.” This definition first appeared in print in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1440. In this delightful book, “Tussie-Mussies,” you find the history and explanations of what a grand bouquet or a tiny nosegay mean when given to another. Flowers are symbols of emotions and thoughts and have meaning. Although there may be more than one meaning for any given flower, a bouquet can be given and received in a thoughtful way, and historically have been “read” for meaning as a way of communication. Having read and reviewed the new novel ‘The Language of Flowers’ by Vanessa Diffebaugh I did further research and this was one of the enjoyable books that I discovered.
The book is well illustrated with photographs and drawings which represent the ways that flowers were and may still be used. It has a strong Victorian era feel but is complete readable and current in content. Not only is it filled with information, but the photographs of bouquets and the identify of the flowers that compose them are given meaning and artfully displayed. This is a joy of a book to read, browse and enjoy. If you are a gardener, historian or flower lover this would be a fun for you to read. I not only enjoyed “Tussie-Mussies” but learned I a great deal when reading it. Enjoy

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and voluptuous book! When I got married, my mother crocheted me a lace ring doily to enclose my wedding bouquet--and I was pleased to see where she had gotten that idea from. She insisted that the florist use it along with some long antique ribbons. I wish I had known to request specific flowers to convey a meaning. I love this book because it shows specific examples of tussie-mussies for specific occasions and how to make them. The photographs are wonderful!

[Dominique Lamssies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent source for beginners on the Victorian ideas about and actual application of the language of flowers. The instructions are easy to follow and the pictures are broken down so thoroughly that you really can't fail. What I liked most about it is that it's a very quick reference into the meaning of the flowers themselves. It's easy to find what your looking for, whether it's what a flower means, or a flower to convey your meaning.

[Pearl Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to learn about the Victorian language of flowers. Author is very well-informed.

[Nejra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dobar ulov sa buvljaka. Iznenađujuće jer je to upravo ono za čim sam tragala- knjiga koja govori o viktorijanskoj ljubavi prema cvijeću i dubokom značenju istog kroz svojevrsni jezik. Htjela sam ovakvo nešto naručiti sa interneta, ali sam se razočarala što je željena knjiga nudila samo prelijepe ilustracije cvijeća kroz kratke osvrte o istom bez ikakvog konteksta.
Ova knjiga koja je kupljena za trostruko manju cijenu nudi upravo to što sam željela- historijski kontekst od antičkog perioda sve do XIX st. te kako kreirati bukete, riječnik cvijeća i emocija. Nedostatak je što nedostaju neke vrste cvijeća i što autorka nije uspjela obuhvatiti sve prevode, ali s obzirom da nije riječ o enciklopediji/riječniku, već monografiji i više nego dovoljno informacija. Sasvim zahvalna na historijskom djelu😍

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful book. It has a bountiful history of the topic, beautiful color photography, a wide range of bouquets for various occasions, and a glossary of flowers and an index of sentiments. If you want to learn about the language of flowers and/or make bouquets yourself, this is the book I would recommend.

[Melissa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great to read if you love flowers. I can imagine it being a helpful reference if you are studying 18th-19th century literature. It could give works a whole new meaning when you know the "language of flowers."

[JEAVONNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to read. Old European meanings of familiar flowers. Great pictures. Lots of examples. I think it takes some extra work to have these blooms at the same time. A very seasonal language. Must have been fun.

[Nancy Collander · Rating 5 out of 5]

If flowers and plants speak to you, this is a must read. It features beautiful flowers, fabulous photography, and will teach you how to make a meaningful bouquet for someone special!

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was outdated.

Also, I'm not one to be freaked out by dolls, but I think the Santa Claus in one of the displays is possessed and would kill me and shove me in a Christmas stocking to dispose of me.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview, mostly focusing on Victorian era. Good era quotes in-text with some amusing anecdotes. I would wish for more specific citations/bibliography at the end.

[Teresa Sabankaya]

What can I say, other than this has been my bible for the past 15+ years! Inspired :)

[Carolyn Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love many things about the romantic movement of the 1800s... One of the most romantic was the use of nosegays to convey messages. "The Language of Flowers" has always fascinated me, and here it comes into its own. This book isn't just about the language of flowers, but about the use of tussy-mussys, the little posy bouquets used as messages and ornamentation. Their history and use, their holders, and fashion through history are described in the first section. Following that are sections on making your own posies, and sample ones with messages for various occasions. The book closes with a glossary of floral meanings. This is a sweet book of history and very fun for those of a romantic our sentimental nature (or those who love code!)