Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees (Dover Pictorial Archive) [Paperback]

Ernst Lehner (Author), Johanna Lehner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Pictorial Archive | Publication Date: October 23, 2003

Comprehensive archive by two of the world's foremost collectors of pictorial symbols. Their pictures, rendered from rare illustrations, extend from ancient Chinese lotus buds to a basket of flowers in a 19th-century Valentine silhouette. Includes the symbolic meaning of every known species — from absinth to zinnia. Over 200 black-and-white designs and illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (October 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486429784
• ISBN-13: 978-0486429786
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #105,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Mythology & Folklore

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Folklore Galore! (for flowers, plants & trees), March 28, 2003

By 

"tales2tell" (Richardson, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants, and Trees (Hardcover)

Obviously much time and effort went into researching this book, Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees. Excellent line drawings and b/w illustrations used appropriately. Includes European and Asian sources of information and illustrations. Quotes and all illustrations are excerpted from early printed sources - some dating back to 13th century.

Great layout design of text and illustrations. Text is concise yet informative on specific topics. An easy-to-use book!

*Table of Contents:

1) Sacred plants (including trees of life & knowledge) and specific plants;

2) Flower lore and legend (alphabetized by common flower & tree names)

3) Strange and wondrous plants (ex: Apple of Sodom, Ice plant, and Tree of Sorrow)

4) Flower Calendar - seasons, flowers of the month, both Chinese & Japanese flower calendars

5) Language of Flowers - Sentiments and symbolism

A good general background source book for those interested in folklore or historical "roots" of common and less common plants meanings. A basic source book for all who enjoy nature hikes and telling stories about plants along the way. Not only do readers learn more about their ancestors' views and beliefs of specific plants but also a new way of seeing the natural world around us.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a very useful book!, November 29, 2005

By 

Jessica L. Lawrence (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees (Dover Pictorial Archive) (Paperback)

My concentration for my major is ethnobotany, and this is a definite must-have addition to my collection! THe illustrations are wonderful! Each section done has at least one illustration and a good paragraph explaining its origins. I particularly enjoy the seasons section, as well as the chinese flower calendar and the japanese flower calendar. There is also a shortened "sentiments and symbolism" in the back, similar to a glossary, with basic meanings of every plant in the book. It is organized well, and very informative.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great but limited, November 10, 2009

By 

D. Jennings "Librarian..." (Cookeville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees (Dover Pictorial Archive) (Paperback)

Excellent resource for information, but not complete. It has limited lists of flowers and their meaning, but gives a great history of where those things come from.