“The Language of Flowers with Illustrative Poetry,” first published in 1843, is a seminal work that delves into the Victorian-era tradition of floriography—the symbolic meaning attributed to flowers. This tradition allowed individuals to convey emotions and messages through the selection and arrangement of flowers, serving as a subtle form of communication in an era where direct expression was often constrained. The book is a comprehensive guide, featuring a dictionary that assigns meanings to various flowers, a calendar that links flowers to specific months, and a “dial of flowers,” which offers a visual representation of floral symbolism.

The dictionary section is particularly notable, as it provides detailed explanations of the significance of numerous flowers, each accompanied by poetic verses that enhance their meanings. These poems not only elucidate the emotional or symbolic value of the flowers but also reflect the literary style and sensibilities of the time. The calendar and dial further enrich the reader’s understanding by associating flowers with particular times of the year and illustrating their meanings in a visual format, respectively. Together, these elements create a multifaceted resource that captures the essence of 19th-century floral symbolism.

The book’s origins can be traced to a French volume, “Le Langage des Fleurs,” by Louise Cortambert, who wrote under the pseudonym Charlotte de Latour. The English edition was revised by Frederic Shoberl, who expanded upon the original content to include additional floral meanings and poetic illustrations. This adaptation reflects the English-speaking world’s fascination with floriography during the Victorian era and its desire to embrace and elaborate upon the French tradition. The inclusion of the calendar and dial in the English edition further demonstrates the effort to make the work more accessible and practical for readers.

“The Language of Flowers with Illustrative Poetry” serves as both a botanical reference and a cultural artifact, offering insights into the ways flowers were perceived and utilized to express sentiments in the 19th century. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend the natural world with human emotion, providing readers with a poetic lens through which to view the flora around them. For those interested in the intersection of nature, literature, and history, this work remains a valuable and evocative resource.