Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers

by Jessica Roux

A charming, gorgeously illustrated botanical encyclopedia for your favorite romantic, local witch, bride-to-be, or green-thumbed friend.

Floriography is a full-color guide to the historical uses and secret meanings behind an impressive array of flowers and herbs. The book explores the coded significances associated with various blooms, from flowers for a lover to flowers for an enemy.

The language of flowers was historically used as a means of secret communication. It soared in popularity during the 19th century, especially in Victorian England and the U.S., when proper etiquette discouraged open displays of emotion. Mysterious and playful, the language of flowers has roots in everything from the characteristics of the plant to its presence in folklore and history. Researched and illustrated by popular artist Jessica Roux, this book makes a stunning display piece, conversation-starter, or thoughtful gift.

• ISBN10: 1524858145
• ISBN13: 9781524858148
• Publish Date: 15 October 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 224
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Floriography is a breathtakingly gorgeous illustrated treatise on the Victorian "secret" meanings of flowers. Due out 15th Sept 2020 from Andrews McMeel, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. The author is a well known artist with a strong following on social media and this is a really beautiful showcase of her botanical work.

The first section of the book is an herbal primer with each of the entries containing the common and botanical (Latin) name, the floriographic meanings, suggestions for pairing and bouquets, as well as a sepia toned delicately colored full page illustration. The art is wonderful and evocative, delicate and detailed.

The second section includes bouquets (see cover art) along with some more detailed descriptions of uses and occasions (both happy and bitter - there are numerous suggestions from which to choose). The author/artist has also included an abbreviated index arranged by emotion/occasion with suggestions for appropriate floral regards. Many of the full page illustrations are rendered on darker colored background with tinted nostalgic looking artwork. It's a beautiful effect and marries perfectly with the subject matter.

Five stars. This would make a lovely gift for a gardening friend or historical re-enactor, botanical artist or just for lovers of beautiful books. Restrained and beautifully done.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.