The Medieval Flower Book.

UK,rectangular 8vo HB+dw/dj,1st edn. FINE/FINE.No owner inscrptn and no price- clip to dw/dj - absence of publisher's price.Bright,crisp,clean,glossy laminated,colour photographic Illumination detail illustrated panels of dw/dj,with mauve+brown lettering to upper panel; with negligible shelf-wear and creasing to edges and corners - no nicks or tears present.Top+fore- edges bright and clean; contents bright,tight,clean,solid and sound - pristine - no dog-ear reading creases to any pages' corners,would appear unread - apart from my own collation. Bright,crisp,clean,sharp-cornered,publisher's original plain black cloth bds with bright,crisp,stamped gilt letters to spine/backstrip and immaculate plain mauve eps.UK,rectangular 8vo HB+dw/dj, 1st edn,5-128pp [paginated] includes author's note,contents list/table,descriptions of plants (A - W),profuse colour Illumination detail/plates,further reading,index of Manuscripts and a General index,plus [unpaginated] colour flower detail illustrated half-title page with colour frntis to it's recto,and title page.
Since the earliest times flowers have been appreciated for their beauty and variety,as well as their usefulness.They were,and remain,important ingredients in medicines,foodstuffs and perfumes,but they have also acquired a symbolism exploited in art and literature.
In this delightful book Celia Fisher explores the 'floral outburst' of the 14th and 15th centuries.Drawing on the British Library's superb collection,she selects over 170 beautiful depictions from a wide range of herbals,and Books of Hours,including the finely detailed Belluno Herbal and the exquisitely painted Bourdichon Hours.Looking closely at each vibrant flower illustration,she reveals the skill and artistry of its medieval creator.
For ease of reference the plants have been arranged in alphabetical order,and the text that accompanies them outlines their origin,the derivation of their name,the properties for which they were most valued,and the symbolism with which they were imbued.Thus we learn that rose campions were introduced from the Holy Land,were used for candle wicks (which gave rise to their Latin name Lychnis, meaning 'light'),and were also part of flirting games in which girls hid the flowers in their clothes and invited the young man of their choice to find them.
'The Medieval Flower Book' takes us on a journey around the world and through time,exploring the ways in which practical horticulture and ancient herbal traditions influenced social, cultural and spiritual life.
Flower lovers and those interested in medieval art and history will find this richly illustrated volume informative, entertaining and,above all,a joy to behold.
Since April 2013,again in March 2015,and in this year too,the UK Post Office has altered it's Pricing in Proportion template, altering it's prices,weight allowances,dimensions and lowered it's qualifying compensation rates too!
So,please contact rpaxtonden@blueyonder.co.uk ,because of the weight/value of this item for correct,insured shipping/P+p quotes - particularly ALL overseas buyers - BEFORE ordering through the order page!