Flowers play a vital role as vehicles of expression. As declarations of Jove or as a gesture of thanks,as a means of conveying condolences or congratulations,flowers are often the most eloquent and direct means of communication. The fascinating history of the symbolism of flowers is presented and explained here in all its facets with entertaining texts and details of beautiful works of art.

I am the rose of Sharon. and the lily of the vallev.As the lily among thorns, so Is my love among the daughters." dcclares Solomon m the Sollg of Songs.Flowers have played a vital role as vehicles of expression since nme immemorial. As a declaration of love or as a gesture of thanks, as a means of expressing sympathy or of congratulating, flowers are often the most eloquent and direct means of communication. The fascinating history of the symbolism of flowers is presented and explained here in all its facets with entertaining texts and dctails of beautiful works of art.

The author outlines the mythology of flowers in the ancient and early, Christian worlds and explains their special significance for love and marriage, in customs and festivals and the use of flowers as status symbols,as symbols of the seasons of the year or as metaphors of human qualities. Thirty-five beautiful depictions of flowers taken from the Renaissance and Baroque periods are reproduced as full-page illustrations accompanied by descript,ve texts which analyse their symbolism.mythological importance, use and meaning in our present times.

Introduction by Marina Heilmeyer

A look at the centuries-old relationship

between flowers and their admirers

The Flowers

Anemone

Aquilegia

Camellia

Carnation

Cornflower

Crocus

Crown imperial

Daffodil

Daisy

Forget-me-not

Hellebore

Honeysuckle

Hyacinth

Iris

Lily

Lily of the Valley

Love-in-a-mist

Mallow

Marigold

Myrtle

Oranges and Lemons

Pansy

Passion Flower

PeoW

Pomegranate

Poppy

Primula

Rose

Rosemary

Stock

Strawberry

Sunflower

Thistle

Tulip

Violet

Index of Illustrations

Index of Flowers and their Meanings

Photographic Credits