NAMING OF FLOWERS

Halpin, Anne; Proctor, Rob

ISBN 10: 1851459278 / ISBN 13: 9781851459278

Published by Pavilion, 1992

Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Seller Inventory # wbs7713364752

Synopsis:

Familiar flowers are generally known by their common names - snapdragon, day lily, foxglove and the like. But the origins of those names are not so familiar, and this book sets out to explain the myths and facts behind such intriguing terms as pheasant's-eye, dame's violet and bleeding heart. The delphinium, for example is named for its similarity to the shape of a dolphin's nose, and catananche, the botanical name for Cupid's Dart, comes from a Greek word for "magic spell". 27 flowers are depicted in specially commissioned watercolours, and accompanied by an entertaining and informative text that traces the origin of both the Latin and common names of each plant, and offers further snippets of information about each flower, its history, characteristics and uses, and its botanic relations. Asters and foxgloves once had medicinal uses, as did many flowers; lavender has long been used for its fragrance, but for the Victorians it symbolized distrust, because the asp that killed Cleopatra hid under lavender bush; and marigolds symbolized sorrow and pain to the Aztecs, because of the blood-red blotches on their yellow petals.

Bibliographic Details

Title: NAMING OF FLOWERS
Publisher: Pavilion
Publication Date: 1992
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good