Kate Greenaway brought to children more joy and beauty than ever been offered them in books since books began. Robert Lawson 

{HISTORY}

First published in 1884, Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers beautifully details the symbolic meaning attached to more than 500 hundred trees, plants and flowers.

Like a foreign language expressed solely through botany, each flower represents an emotion, a hidden message or an unspoken sentiment meant for intimate communication between sender and recipient.  Trillum symbolizes modest beauty. Hawthorn equals hope. Orange trees boast bravery. Cape Jasmine transports joy. And wild geraniums symbolize steadfast piety. A whole conversation can be hand in a single flower or a large bouquet representing all sorts of secret meanings and unspoken feelings.

Especially adored during the Victorian era, the language of flowers offered insight into all ways of communication whether you wanted to express love and joy, sorrow and rage or anything in between.

Although often thought of as an illustrator meant strictly for the children's market, Kate Greenaway's books and illustrations are and were adored by both kids and adults from the moment they were created. At first a successful greeting card artist, Kate won initial acclaim with her book Under The Window, published in 1879 where her verse, delicate illustrative style,  and innocent presentation of idyllic childhood scenes were lauded at a time when London was sinking into a grey, cynical and dreary industrialization age. 

Born in England in 1846, Kate spent her entire life in the UK but had a remarkably devoted fan base in the US. Illustrating over 150 books, she authored only two books herself throughout her career - Under The Window and The Language of Flowers (also known as The Marigold Garden) before passing away from breast cancer at the age of 55 in 1901. While she never married or had any children of her own her legacy is long-lasting. Referred to as one of the greatest female illustrators of all time Kate's rosy spirit and illustrative style have continued to inspire artists, fashion designers and floral designers  throughout the 20th century and her books and artwork have been continuously reprinted over the past 140 years.

This edition of The Language of Flowers was published in 1978 by Gramercy Books from a reprint of the original 1884 edition. Containing illustrations on every page, the "language" is broken down into two sections and organized alphabetically by flower and also sentiment. 

A fascinating look at horticulture and symbolism, this book attaches deeper meaning to the natural world and champions communication through the exchange of plants, flowers, and trees.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• 62 pages
• Contains over 500 botanical specmmans and their related symbolism
• Illustrated throughout
• 1978 Gramercy Books edition
  

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, this book is clean and bright inside and out. The spine is tight and all pages are intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 10.25" inches (length) x 7.25" inches (width) x .25" inches (thickness) and weighs 13 oz.