Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers (Hidden Languages)
There's something quietly captivating about the idea that a single flower, placed just so, could carry an entire confession. Jessica Roux's richly illustrated botanical guide explores exactly that: the coded world of Victorian floriography, in which blossoms did the talking that polite society simply wouldn't allow. Nearly 100 flowers and herbs are covered here, each carrying its own layered significance, from tender declarations of affection to more pointed, less friendly messages. Short entries sit alongside Roux's gorgeous full-colour artwork, making this as much a visual pleasure as an informative one. The language of flowers flourished in 19th-century Britain and America, when public displays of feeling were frowned upon and subtlety was an art form in itself. Roux traces each bloom's meaning back through its roots in folklore, cultural history, and the nature of the plant itself. It's a system that feels at once mysterious and surprisingly logical. This book works beautifully as a reference for anyone drawn to symbolism, botanical history, or the quiet romance of old traditions. It also makes a genuinely thoughtful gift, whether for a keen gardener, a folklore enthusiast, a bride, or simply someone who'd enjoy discovering that flowers have been carrying messages all along.
- Author: Jessica Roux
- Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
- Genre: Gardening & Horticulture
- ISBN: 978-1524866358
- Pages: 226 pages