Blooming Flowers
A Seasonal History of Plants and People
by Kasia Boddy
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Jun 23 2020 | Archive Date Sep 01 2020
Yale University Press, London | Yale University Press
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Description
“From the meaning of carnations in Sex and the City to the use of sunflowers in the cleanup of Chernobyl, from Henry VIII’s ban on saffron dye in Ireland to the modernist reinventions of roses, this is no ordinary flower book, and Kasia Boddy is no ordinary writer.”—Ali Smith, author of Spring
"Fresh, novel . . . and unclassifiable.”—Publishers Weekly
The bright yellow of a marigold and the cheerful red of a geranium, the evocative fragrance of a lotus or a saffron-infused paella—there is no end of reasons to love flowers. Ranging through the centuries and across the globe, Kasia Boddy looks at the wealth of floral associations that has been passed down in perfumes, poems, and paintings; in the design of buildings, clothes, and jewelry; in songs, TV shows, and children’s names; and in nearly every religious, social, and political ritual.
Exploring the first daffodils of spring and the last chrysanthemums of autumn, this is also a book about seasons. In vibrant detail and drawing on a rich array of illustrations, Boddy considers how the sunflower, poppy, rose, lily—and many others—have given rise to meaning, value, and inspiration throughout history, and why they are integral to so many different cultures.
Advance Praise
“From the meaning of carnations in Sex and the City to the use of sunflowers in the cleanup of Chernobyl, from Henry VIII’s ban on saffron dye in Ireland to the modernist reinventions of roses, this is no ordinary flower book, and Kasia Boddy is no ordinary writer.”—Ali Smith, author of Spring
“Unlike any book I have read on flowers. We get a superb range of cultural information and imagery from ancient times right through to the very modern, and from all parts of the world. Fascinating.”—Margaret Willes, author of The Gardens of the British Working Class
“There is no doubt that anyone perusing the pages will view afresh the blooming flowers in their garden … A compelling, contextualising tapestry written with both vivacity and analytical rigour.”—Chris Beardshaw, Garden Designer and Broadcaster
"Blooming Flowers is a gorgeously lush evocation of twelve different flowers, each one steeped in its own stories, cultural associations and botanical wonder. It is not just a sunny celebration of everything floral – we learn how intimately flowers are entwined with global warming, transatlantic slavery, US imperialism and nuclear radioactivity – but this is a beautifully written book, full of exquisite detail, startling facts and laced with just the right amount of poetry."—Peter Fiennes, author of Oak and Ash and Thorn
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780300243338 |
| PRICE | $22.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 256 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Librarian 346330
A bright and thoughtful read on the history, symbolism and use of flowers throughout the media we experience.
Andrew S, Reviewer
The subject matter of the book is something that I find fascinating. I studied botany at university, many years ago, and have had a lifelong fascination with plants, including cultural attitudes ever since. The book is a charming collection of anecdotes, literary references and etymology about a selection of common plants. The author has done her best to bring some structure into the narrative, but it remains more of a book for dipping into than reading cover to cover. The selection of what to include and what not is somewhat arbitrary. For instance there is quite a long section on roses, but the English War of the Roses doesn't get a mention. The literature is mostly English, some American (perhaps because of the US publisher) and with a smattering of Caribbean, and Continental references, plus a little other, like Japanese. Presumably this is what the authors happened to be familiar with, but that's probably as good a ground for a selection as any. There is a famous Dutch novel (by Jan Siebelink) (sort of) about violets, which could have gone in that chapter, but I can hardly blame her for not knowing that. The book has something of the scope of the monumental Flora Britanica by Richard Mabey (which I'm proud to have contributed a few sentences to myself), but less systematic and more anecdotal.
In summary, for readers like myself with a particular interest in the topic; an interesting read.
Disclosure: My copy of the book was a free pdf obtained in return for an honest review from NetGalley.
Reviewer 618436
Exactly my sort of thing. I love plants and flowers and I find the symbolism and history of them in different cultures absolutely fascinating. If this also describes you then I highly recommend this delightful book.
Lisa S, Reviewer
Daffodils are like 'ruffled birds on their perches'; the carnation hugs its petals to its heart as it dies; and that Queen of Flowers, the rose, if the 'flower of martyrs and miracles'. This book about the history and legends of flowers is a delight to read. There are also many accounts of how flowers are featured in the classics, and other books and stories. Kasia Boddy's meticulous research and beautiful writing makes it easy reading and it was lovely to read it in the midst of such grim news.
It does focus on English and American flowers but sometimes tropical flowers are mentioned, such as lotus flowers in India and Africa, and almond flowers in Egypt
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
AliceMaud M, Reviewer
This is a fascinating, well-written, personal anthology with many eclectic anecdotes and facts about sixteen different flowers, four for each season in European latitudes. It is beautifully illustrated.
I am grateful to have received a copy from the publisher and Netgalley as a free ebook in exchange for this honest review. Having read it, I intend to buy the hard copy for myself. I shall also be buying copies as presents for my like-minded friends and relations.
Jasmine M, Reviewer
If you have an interest in flowers, this book is an interesting opener, with beautiful content within.
I'm not totally familiar with flowers so it was nice to learn more and have a discussion with my mum an avid gardener and flower-fanatic about what I had been reading :)
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