The Language of Flowers Encyclopedia is a three-volume illustrated history of the books, authors, and meanings of 2,870 flowers, herbs, trees, and emojis. Rooted in folklore, mythology, literature, history, and the physical characteristics of plants, the language of flowers is a rich literary tradition of associating flowers with symbolic meanings. Spanning ancient times to the present, with special emphasis on nineteenth-century language of flowers books, this encyclopedia draws on 317 references and the author’s forty years of experience as a writer and creator of Literary Calligraphy® artwork. A work of remarkable breadth and beauty, The Language of Flowers Encyclopedia is a landmark work in the field, a uniquely illustrated and unparalleled reference for book collectors, botanists, historians, and flower lovers.

Volume 1 opens with an illustrated floral anthology of 37 flowers, dual dictionaries by flower and by meaning, and supplementary sections on related traditions such as the Calendar of Flowers, Flower Dialogues, and the Flower Clock, along with ten poems drawn from the language of flowers tradition.

Volume 2 examines the historical roots and sources of flower symbolism across seven chapters, analyzing 38 nineteenth-century language of flowers books, their 232 illustrations, and the publishing practices — including widespread copying and copyright infringement — that shaped the tradition.

Volume 3 presents a comprehensive botanical dictionary tracing flower meanings across 38 historical sources, a catalogue of 79 plant emojis, and 20 new additions to the language of flowers, extending this centuries-old tradition into the present day.