Floriography: The Myths. Magic and Language of Flowers

Roses say I love you, lilies offer condolence and poppies invite us to remember. Covering 50 popular flowers and plants, from peonies to sweetpeas, ivy to irises, this beautifully illustrated guide takes the reader on an intriguing journey through the history, legend, anthropology and literature of flowers, and shows how modern society still relies on floral symbols and meanings, some going back hundreds of years to classical myth and hedgerow folklore. From the Chinese lotus flower to the Celtic bluebell, the magic and language of flowers continues blossoming today.