Excerpt from Flora's Interpreter, or the American Book of Flowers and Sentiments IN arranging this little work it was my purpose to combine, with the names and remembrances of owers, a selection of sentiments from our best poets. I hoped my experiment would give an increased interest to botanical researches among young people, at least 3 and among all classes would promote a better acquain tance with the beauties of our own literature. There is nothing new attempted, except in the arrangement, and the introduc tion of American sentiments. Flowers have always been symbols of the affections probably ever since our first parents tended theirs in the garden of God's own planting. They seem hallowed from that association, and intended naturally to represent pure, tender and devoted thoughts and feelings. The expression of these feelings has been, in all ages, the province of poetry, and to the poets we must refer in order to settle the philology of owers. This I have endeavored to do. I have carefully searched the poets and writers on Eastern manners where owers are even now the messengers of the heart, and have selected such interpreta tions, (for these authorities, like other philologists, sometimes di 'er, ) as appeared most reason able from the character and history of the ower. I have 'given the generic and usually the specific name, also the Class, Order, and native country of'each ower. These particulars will be of some use if the study of botany is pursued. Or at any rate, they must associate in the mind of the reader some notion of the science. A knowledge of the locality of the plant would, I thought, assist us to judge somewhat of its character and adaptation to our gardens or green houses, and the size of the volume 'to Which I was restricted, prevented me from entering into long descriptions and scientific explanations. I name these things, not to swell the importance of a tri ing production, but only to show that good motives may mingle a little of the useful even with tri es. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works."

“A flower is not a flower alone; a thousand thoughts invest it.” Daffodils signal new beginnings, daisies innocence. Lilacs mean the first emotions of love, periwinkles tender recollection. Early Victorians used flowers as a way to express their feelings—love or grief, jealousy or devotion. Now, modern-day romantics are enjoying a resurgence of this bygone custom, and this book will share the historical, literary, and cultural significance of flowers with a whole new generation. With lavish illustrations, a dual dictionary of flora and meanings, and suggestions for creating expressive arrangements, this keepsake is the perfect compendium for everyone who has ever given or received a bouquet.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger has her questioning what’s been missing in her life. And when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. Look for special features inside. Join the Circle for author chats and more. Praise for The Language of Flowers "Instantly enchanting . . . [Diffenbaugh] is the best new writer of the year."—Elle “I would like to hand Vanessa Diffenbaugh a bouquet of bouvardia (enthusiasm), gladiolus (you pierce my heart) and lisianthus (appreciation). In this original and brilliant first novel, Diffenbaugh has united her fascination with the language of flowers—a long-forgotten and mysterious way of communication—with her firsthand knowledge of the travails of the foster-care system. . . . This novel is both enchanting and cruel, full of beauty and anger. Diffenbaugh is a talented writer and a mesmerizing storyteller. She includes a flower dictionary in case we want to use the language ourselves. And there is one more sprig I should add to her bouquet: a single pink carnation (I will never forget you).”—Washington Post "A fascinating debut . . . Diffenbaugh clearly knows both the human heart and her plants, and she keeps us rooting for the damaged Victoria."—O Magazine "Diffenbaugh effortlessly spins this enchanting tale, making even her prickly protagonist impossible not to love."—Entertainment Weekly