Burnett’s Floral Hand-Book and Ladies’ Calendar is a charming 19th-century publication by Joseph Burnett & Co., primarily serving as a promotional tool for their range of cosmetic products, notably Burnett’s Cocoaine. This booklet, published annually, seamlessly blends a calendar with a floral dictionary, offering readers both practical and poetic content.

The calendar section provides readers with a detailed layout of the year, including moon phases and planetary positions, reflecting the era’s fascination with celestial events. Interspersed throughout are advertisements for Burnett’s products, emphasizing their benefits and encouraging their use. These advertisements not only promote the products but also educate the public on their uses and advantages.

A significant portion of the booklet is dedicated to the “Language of Flowers,” a popular Victorian-era concept where each flower symbolized specific sentiments or messages. This section serves as both a poetic guide and a cultural insight, allowing readers to understand and appreciate the deeper meanings behind floral arrangements. Poetical gems accompany this section, enhancing the emotional and aesthetic appeal of the flowers described.

Burnett’s Floral Hand-Book and Ladies’ Calendar offers a delightful glimpse into 19th-century American culture, blending commerce with culture, practicality with poetry. It stands as a testament to the era’s values and interests, making it a valuable resource for those interested in historical publications and the cultural significance of flowers.