The Language of Flowers with Illustrative Poetry is a 19th-century botanical and literary work that explores the symbolic meanings of flowers through poetry and prose. Originally published in 1841 by Frederic Shoberl, the book is a revised English edition of Charlotte de Latour’s Le Langage des Fleurs. This edition not only translates but also expands upon the original, adding a “Calendar of Flowers” to provide readers with a comprehensive guide to the floral symbolism of each month.

The book is divided into two main sections: the first is a dictionary of flowers, each accompanied by a brief description of its symbolic meaning; the second features a selection of poems that illustrate these meanings in a literary context. The floral dictionary includes a wide range of flowers, from common garden varieties to exotic blooms, each linked to virtues, emotions, or messages. For example, the rose symbolizes love, while the lily represents purity. The accompanying poetry brings these symbols to life, offering readers a deeper emotional connection to the flowers.

In addition to the dictionary and poetry, the “Calendar of Flowers” section organizes flowers by the months of the year, suggesting which blooms are associated with each period. This feature not only serves as a practical guide for gardeners and florists but also reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with assigning meaning to every aspect of life, including the natural world.

The Language of Flowers with Illustrative Poetry offers a glimpse into the Victorian practice of floriography, where flowers were used as a medium for communication. This tradition allowed individuals to convey sentiments that might have been difficult to express verbally, making the book a valuable resource for understanding the cultural significance of flowers in the 19th century.