An evocative and richly illustrated exploration of flowers and how, over the centuries, they have given us so much sustenance, meaning, and pleasure
“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.
ISBN-13: 9780300264791
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication Date: 05-24-2022
Pages: 272
Product Dimensions: 5.00(w) x 7.75(h) x (d)
Kasia Boddy teaches American literature at the University of Cambridge. Her other books include Boxing: A Cultural History,The American Short Story Since 1950, and Geranium.
Table of Contents
Gathering Flowers ix
Spring 1
Daisy 5
Daffodil 17
Lily 27
Carnation 39
Summer 55
Rose 59
Lotus 71
Cotton 83
Sunflower 95
Autumn 113
Saffron 117
Chrysanthemum 128
Marigold 140
Poppy 150
Winter 161
Violet 165
Geranium 176
Snowdrop 188
Almond 198
Literary Seeds and Sources 210
Illustration Credits 230
Acknowledgements 235
Index 236
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