The Language of Flowers: A Fully Illustrated Compendium of Meaning, Literature, and Lore for the Modern Romantic

by Odessa Begay

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 meaning associated with the flower, and is a fascinating mix of foklore, 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 dicover 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 book is a must for lovers of floriology and Victoriana.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Reference, Gardening, History, Poetry, Plants

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2020

Reviews

[Elzbieta Rudzewicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book falls short to its title.

Yes, it's interesting, it has nice illustrations and brushes on a meaning and a lore. However, it does so in a manner that to me, at times seems chaotic. For example it gives a meaning of a flower at the beginning after which lapses into a page long myths that suggest totally different meaning, before offering a short paragraph of a myth that supports the one given at the begining.

Also some quotes, at least to me, seem a little too random.

It's enjoyable to read and gives nice glimpses into flower history, but if you are here only to learn language of flowers, I would search some other titles.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a novel, but it can be a good reference for those who only starting to understand the meaning of flowers in history and life. So many interesting facts collected about each flower! I enjoyed reading it, and I will come back to it from time to time, as I plant more flowers in my garden.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

For quite a long time now I wanted to read a book about the language of flowers and this one was just perfect—informative, but not too much of text, and have you seen the marvellous illustrations? I also appreciated the excerpts from various poems, books, and quotes with interesting fun facts. It was all very lovely!

[Kimball · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Language of Flowers, Odessa Begay focuses on fifty of the most popular flower varieties for gardening and floral arrangements. In doing so, she is able to present a more in-depth view of each flower’s history as well as literary references, poems and quotations highlighting various flowers. This provides a much fuller picture of the flower’s cultural significance and how it obtained its meaning. Each flower is also accompanied with a breathtaking illustration or two. This book is for flower lovers and those wanting to dive into the meanings and stories behind a flower.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small book with lovely illustrations of flowers but also some misinformation. One bit that I recall is that the author stated that opium was derived from the seeds of P. somniferum when in fact it’s extracted from “The milky fluid that seeps from cuts in the unripe poppy seed pods.” I suggest checking it out from the library and reading it on a snowy afternoon.

[Jeanette Michalets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely and informative book that contains the lore of flowers (mythology, Shakespearean references, etc.) as well as contemporary gardening tips and uses for a large array of flowers and plants. I learned many new facts about traditional flowers. The art work is gorgeous. This is a handy reference book that can be read time and time again.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out from the pack of flower symbolism and history. Instead of a slew of garbage collected from hither and yon on the internet, Begay actually researched every flower and came to decisive yet elegant histories and meanings for every plant. The book is useful for the historian and the gardener who wants to infuse their garden and home with meaning.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book with a bit of history for each of 50 flowers, with an emphasis on the Victorian use of and meanings for the flowers. This is a book that any writer, and any gardener, will want to have in his/her library.

[lulu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations. Highly informative.

[Amanda Mueller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't actually read it, I just looked at the illustrations. Which were nice.

[Michelle Smart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very much a reference book. I'm sure it's fine, but it wasn't what I was wanting right now.

[Dayva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very charming and beautiful book. A wonderful gift for flower lovers.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and descriptions

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read beautiful illustrations!

[Edie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully designed book and very pleasant to read. You’ll learn about folklore, scientific research, history, etymology and much more as each section concentrates on a different flower.

[haven ⋄ f (hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

really pretty but i wish there were more flowers. the illustrations are so lovely

[Medora Questions life · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do wish this book had more flowers, but other than that it's a really good nonfiction book thing (I can't remember if this would be considered nonfiction or not)

[ev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever flowers come into the conversation, I return to this book. I love the commentary and the little bits of the history to explain the meaning. The illustrations are absolutely lovely too.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself is beautifully done. I found the etymology of flower names and the history of their social/moral attributes fascinating.

[Onceinabluemoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a garden gal I love all things flower.