A Victorian Flower Dictionary

"A flower is not a flower alone;  a thousand thoughts invest it."

- A Victorian Flower Dictionary

This fascinating volume was gifted to me recently and I have been studying its contents ever since.  Always interested in floriography, I have had a little pocketbook of flower meanings for years which I often consult when making a painting or styling a bouquet. 

A Victorian Flower Dictionary, by Mandy Kirkby, provides a more comprehensive interpretation of flowers and also discusses the history and symbolism of various blooms.  Fifty flowers are featured in the book with an illustration of each and a summary of its importance in history, literature, art and Victorian culture.  Also included is a short dictionary of additional flower meanings and a guide to recommended flowers for specific occasions.  A lovely, thought-provoking introduction by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, author of the popular novel, The Language of Flowers enhances this reference.