In our modern world, the spiny-stemmed flowers, intertwined leaves, and delicate pink blossoms of the rubus fruticosus, or common blackberry bramble, might catch the eye of the casual observer or weekend gardener. Pleasant, prolific, and decorative, plants like the blackberry are looked upon as sources for harvest, landscape, and visual pleasure. To the medieval and Renaissance artist, however, these botanicals were far more. Part of a richly symbolic visual language culled from the classical era, their exquisite depiction in illuminated manuscripts of the age evoked fertility, conjured bad dreams, and even aligned itself with ancient wisdom. The popular and enduring appeal of flowers in medieval art and literature extended beyond simple botanical illustration; instead, flowers helped to tell countless stories without words through potent symbolic imagery. The Medieval Flower Book artfully presents an alphabetical collection of over one hundred of the major flowers that appear in medieval manuscripts--gathered with fascinating explanatory texts on their history, significance, and usage. The sumptuous reproductions that accompany each entry offer a visual reference to the symbolism of botanicals in medieval manuscripts that's beyond breathtaking in its appeal. An introductory section explaining the ancient roots of practical horticulture's expansion into cultural and spiritual realms not only places the volume in the context of gardening history, but gives the general reader insight into our enduring interest in these remarkable herbals. Widely appealing to all of those interested in flowers and gardening, the horticultural historian, and the student of visual culture and medieval history, The Medieval Flower Book is a fascinating and important primer on the beauty and language of florals. Extensively ranging through the canon of medieval botanicals--from acanthus and anemones to violets and wallflowers--this volume is the perfect gift for anyone interested in blossoms and blooms, and should thrill the everyday gardener and art collector alike.

From peony to poppy, and Solomon's seal and columbine to lily and iris, this illustrated book draws together those species of flowers - pure in colour and beautifully scented - that grew in medieval times and still grow today. Passing through the seasons, the book features gardens in Britain and elsewhere in Europe that can be traced back to medieval times. It details the purpose of gardens in those times, the types of plants grown, and the medicinal aspects, and also has a chapter on how to grow the individual flowers today. Garden plans and plant sources complete the book.

Each section of Flowers in Medieval Manuscripts includes relevant details of the manuscripts from which the illustrations are taken, and the concluding section discusses manuscript production in relation to these margins.

Featuring plants that grew in the UK and Europe's most famous medieval gardens, and which are still cultivated today the most beautiful, best and most naturally coloured species with the purest fragrance. This is a truly inventive, well-researched book, highlighting the beauty of flowers cultivated and wild, as well as gardens and bowers. Clay Perry's photographs include a lush series of studio flower portraits as well as shots of existing medieval gardens, chamomile lawns and fruit trees in blossom. From Peony to Poppy, Solomon's Seal and Columbine to Lily and Iris, the photographs emphasise the contemplative atmosphere of the gardens, all of which can be recreated today.

In this delightful book, the author explores the "floral outburst" that occurred in medieval manuscripts of the 14th and 15th centuries.

Marys flowers by Vincenzina Krymow Illustrated by A. Joseph Barrish, S.M. With Meditations by M. Jean FriskSince medieval times, flowers have taken their names from the virtues of Mary, or events in her life. Learn the legends that fostered such names, and their biblical origins. Spend time with the meditations they inspire.Marys Flowers: Gardens, Legends and Meditations is a treasury of botanical history and lore. Thirty beautiful illustrations based on medieval woodcuts bring each bloom to colorful life. Even if you don't plant a Mary garden of your own, you will find a virtual Eden within. Visit awhile with these pages and keep company with Mary.