Flower Wisdom: The Definitive Guidebook [Paperback]

Getting married or organising a special birthday party and need help deciding what flowers to choose? Flower Wisdom could be just the book you need. It is a comprehensive guide to the physical and symbolic properties of all our best-known and loved flowers. The book begins with an explanation of how and why flowers have been viewed as a form of beauty in many cultures for thousands of years. The author, Katherine Kear, provides us with delightful nuggets of information such as how in Chinese folklore all flowers were given women's names and how the Greeks and Romans introduced the first herb and flower gardens to the UK.

The main body of the book consists of 22 detailed chapters on individual flowers such as the bluebell, poppy, daffodil, anemone and rose. Each flower is described in terms of its botanical properties, its origins, the folklore and history that surrounds it, and finally how it is used for health and well-being. If your favourite flower is the daisy you can learn about its "faery" associations, if you love lilies, Katherine explains why they are seen as a symbol of purity, and if you have a soft spot for the peony you'll be fascinated to discover that it is still valued today as an important healer in Chinese medicine. The book's major focus is on the spiritual, healing power of flowers as this is something which obviously fascinates the author. However, if that isn't your bag there is plenty of excellent historical information to keep you interested. --Meg Slyfield

An illustrated exploration of the myths, magic and healing powers of the best known and loved flowers of the Westen hemisphere. This is a comprehensive guide to the ancient beliefs and customs surrounding the flowers through time.

From the poppies of Flanders – symbols of sleep and oblivion – to the purity of the lily and the faery origin of the daisy, this book explores the ancient beliefs and customs surrounding the many roles flowers have played in human lives through time.

All the best-loved flowers are here, described in both physical and symbolic detail. Includes the Daisy, Bluebell, Lily, Anemone, Poppy, Daffodil, Rose, Tulip, Violet, Snowdrop, Cowslip, Primrose, Marigold, Buttercup, Clover, Cowparsley, Dandelion, Foxglove, Honeysuckle, Crysanthemum, Iris and Carnation.

From the poppies of Flanders – symbols of sleep and oblivion – to the purity of the lily and the faery associations of the daisy, flowers have always been surrounded by myths, magic and mystery.

This illustrated guide explores the physical and symbolic properties of the best known and loved flowers of the Western hemisphere, including the bluebell, lily, anemone, poppy, daffodil, iris, rose, and many others. Each flower is described in terms of its botanical properties, its origins, the folk lore and history that surrounds it, and how it is used for health and well-being.

All plants are inextricably linked to the science, culture, religion and economics of the world. Some are used to heal, others become symbols for worship others a trading commodity or status symbol. Flowers can indicate political allegiance, romantic passion, sympathy, and social class. They are universal symbols of ephemerality and purity, and of the natural cycles of birth, death and regeneration. Packed with a wealth of information and beautiful illustrations, this is a unique guide to the myth, magic and wisdom of flowers.

Katherine Kear has worked with flowers for over 25 years, both commercially and more recently as a lecturer, writing and creating features on the folklore, myth, superstition and tradtions surrounding flowers.