The Language of Flowers: Poems - Hardcover

The Language of Flowers: Poems - International Poetry Anthology

This hardcover poetry anthology presents an international collection exploring the symbolic language of flowers through verse spanning centuries and continents. Part of Everyman's Library Pocket Poets series, this compact edition brings together works from classical to contemporary poets.

Poetry Collection Spanning Cultures and Centuries

The anthology features poets from Sappho, Shakespeare, and Shelley to Ted Hughes, Mary Oliver, and Louise Glück. The collection extends across geographic boundaries, including voices from Cuba to Korea, Russia to Zimbabwe. Eastern cultures receive substantial representation with Tang dynasty poems celebrating chrysanthemums and peonies, Zen verses about orchids and lotus flowers, and works featuring jasmine and marigolds from India. Persian, Ottoman, and Arabic traditions contribute poems about roses and narcissi.

Floral Symbolism Through Literary History

Floral symbols have adorned poetry since ancient times, becoming increasingly entwined with myth, legend, religious symbolism, and herbal folklore. By the early nineteenth century, particularly in England and America, the "Language of Flora" developed into an elaborately refined system. Books cataloging flower meanings illustrated with verse became perennial bestsellers during the Victorian era.

This anthology transcends its Victorian predecessors by creating an extended, updated collection for contemporary readers. The poems explore timeless human emotions and concepts including love, hope, despair, fidelity, grief, beauty, and mortality through botanical imagery.

Pocket-Sized Hardcover Edition

This Everyman's Library edition features durable hardcover binding in a compact, portable format. The pocket-sized design makes it suitable for travel, gifting, or personal collection. The book maintains the quality standards associated with the Everyman's Library series while offering accessibility in a smaller format.

Edited by Jane Holloway

Jane Holloway has served as senior editor at Everyman's Library in the UK since the imprint's revival in 1991. Her editorial work brings together this diverse collection of floral-themed poetry from multiple literary traditions and time periods.

The anthology serves as both a literary collection and an exploration of how different cultures have used flowers as poetic symbols throughout history. The international scope and historical range make this volume a comprehensive resource for readers interested in nature poetry, botanical literature, or symbolic language in verse.