The Victorians and their flowers.1983.17 col.photo- graphs. 100 line-drawings. VII,195 p. gr8vo. Cloth.

Contents: List of Figures and Tables/ Preface/ Acknowledgements/Eighteenth-century Origins/ Mirrors of Victorian Society/ Sentiment/Morality/ Botanical Fashion/ Foreign Exotics/ Realities/ The Passion forDetail/ Scientific Controversy/ Appendix: Biographical Notes/ SelectBibliography/ Glossary/ Indexes. - A combination of authoritativebotanical information and fascinating social history is offered in thistext which is richly illustrated by pictures of Victorian floralextravaganzas and reproductions from contemporary sketch-books and theexquisite volumes of botanical plates. It is clear that the Victorianshad an extraordinary and complex passion for flowers and this originalbook covers a spectrum of ideas and interpretations. It is wide-ranging in its appeal, offering interesting variety to the general reader whilespecialists will find a wealth of solid botanical information.