The Lady’s Book of Flowers and Poetry | 1859

Published New York: Derby & Jackson, 1859

A charming mid-19th century gift book combining the Victorian love of flowers with poetry and moral sentiment. Edited by Lucy Hooper, this volume offers a botanical introduction, a floral dictionary, and a chapter on plants for indoor cultivation. Interwoven throughout are poetic selections celebrating the symbolism and beauty of flowers.

The book is handsomely bound in black publisher’s cloth, richly decorated in blind with a gilt-stamped floral medallion on the cover and an elegant gilt floral design to the spine. The volume is further distinguished by a series of delicately hand-colored botanical plates, including vibrant carnations, daffodils, crocus, roses, and other favorites of the Victorian floral lexicon.

Victorian gift books such as this one served not only as literary keepsakes but also as guides to the “language of flowers,” where blossoms conveyed messages of love, remembrance, and sentiment.

Binding tight with some light rubbing and wear to extremities. Scattered light foxing to text pages, as expected for the period, though the hand-colored plates remain vivid and bright.

Rare Book

Condition: Very Good. 

A beautiful and evocative 19th-century volume, capturing the intersection of poetry, art, and floral symbolism—an exquisite gift book of its era and a fine addition to any collection of Victorian decorative or botanical works.