These stories of flowers and their histories make fascinating reading especially when you cannot garden.
Four Books about Floral History and Meanings
Winter is the perfect time for garden reading. This year I have chosen four recent books about floral histories and meanings. Each of these authors has a different way of delving into to the interactions between humans and flowers. Some of these books are based primarily on illustrations and others have extensive text. I have used their coverage of roses to compare them specifically. I am sure that at least one of these will be on your ‘to read’ list this winter. Don’t forget to make yourself a good cup of tea as you read.
Jenny Rose Carey with a cup of tea – wishing you a Happy New Year 2025 and good reading.
1. Floriography by Jessica Roux, publisher Andrew McMeel, 2020
Floriography by Jessica Roux, 2020 – book cover.
This book is written and illustrated by Jessica Roux. She has selected a range of plants that had a special meaning in the Victorian language of flowers. The plant portraits are shown on the right as a full page picture and the meaning and origin of the flower language are shown on the left.
‘The Rose’ showing the double page spread with the illustration by Jessica Roux to the right and description of the Victorian language of flowers to the left.
Victorians used combinations of flowers to send coded messages to friends and acquaintances. At the back of the book are bouquets that could be used to show certain feelings and an index of meanings. The artwork is lovely and the book is certainly a visual treat. I love the way that the illustrations are mostly on colored backgrounds.
My only confusion as a gardener is that you would have trouble putting together the combinations that are shown because the flowers do not all bloom at the same time – such as ‘A Bouquet for Sympathy’ – Chrysanthemum (autumn), lily-of-the valley (spring), and marigold (summer). Besides this you will learn more about the intricate Victorian language of flowers.
2. Flowers and Their Meanings by Karen Azoulay, publisher Clarkson Potter, 2023
Book Cover of Flowers and Their Meanings written and illustrated by Karen Azoulay.
Karen Azoulay is a visual artist and author. This book has over 600 flowers and their history and meanings. The style is chatty and the illustrations are playful with faces, mouths, and eyes peeking out among the flowers. The flower pictures are accurate but to me are sometimes confusing because they show some flowers upside down – like dangling bleeding hearts that face upwards. The presentation appears to be aimed at a wide audience that may not all be gardeners. Whatever your interest in this topic this book will provide you information about a wide range of flowers and open your eyes to floral histories.
The ‘Rose’ page in Flowers and Their Meanings by Karen Azoulay shows the intricacy of the language of flowers in Victorian times.
3. A Short History of Flowers by Advolly Richmond, illustrated by Sarah Jane Humphrey, publisher Frances Lincoln, 2024
Book Cover of A Short History of Flowers by Advolly Richmond, illustrated by Sarah Jane Humphrey.
Advolly Richmond is an English garden historian who has selected flower stories that are illustrated by Sarah Jane Humphrey, a botanical illustrator. The tales that she tells are diverse and specific.
Rose page in A Short History of Flowers by Advolly Richmond, illustrated by Sarah Jane Humphrey shows the specific story of John Ystumllyn’s rose.
This book is a great one to dip into to read a story or two about your favorite flowers. Each of the 60 mini-essays is only a page or two long and is illustrated with both color and black and white drawings. The choices that Advolly makes are fun and seem serendipitous. I love the apparent randomness and appreciate that she picks stories that are less familiar than some older books. I learned some new information and find Advolly’s writing style easy to read.
4. The Brief Life of Flowers, by Fiona Stafford, publisher John Murray, 2018
Book Cover of The Brief Life of Flowers, by Fiona Stafford.
The Brief Life of Flowers, by Fiona Stafford is a readable paperback book that contains fifteen chapters – each about one flower. It has a few black and white illustrations. Fiona has chosen flowers that are commonly found in gardens so the stories are relatable. From snowdrops to primroses, bluebells, and foxgloves, each flower has been grown in gardens for centuries.
The beginning of the rose chapter in The Brief Life of Flowers, by Fiona Stafford.
The text is full and diverse with stories in the rose section from Alice in Wonderland to Elizabeth the first. Fiona is an English Professor at Oxford University so the literary references are deep and widely assorted. It is an informative read – either chapter by chapter, or all at once. I found this book hard to put down until I had finished.
Whether you choose one or several of these floral histories you will enjoy the stories and illustrations and learn something new about your favorite flowers.
Happy New Year 2025 and happy reading – Cheers Jenny Rose Carey.
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