The Secret Language of Flowers

Discover the uses and symbolic meanings of flowers over the centuries and across the globe.

Flowers have been depicted as objects of beauty and wonder in countless paintings and poems, exchanged as tokens of love and affection, and displayed as symbols of both celebration and remembrance – "saying it with flowers" is truly part of the human experience. 
But how does the significance of flowers vary across cultures and at different points in history? 
And what makes certain flowers special?

The Secret Language of Flowers explores the meaning of more than 85 flowers, tracing their history as symbols and charting their role in folklore and mythology around the world. 

This fascinating book on flowers can help you to:

- Unlock the meaning of flowers throughout history – from early peoples to the 19th century.
- Discover the Victorian language of flowers popular in the US, UK, and Europe.
- Gain insight into folklore and mythology in relation to different flowers.
- Uncover what flowers mean in various cultures around the world.
- Uncover traditional medicinal uses of plants, such as aloe, which is used to treat burns.

Uncover the rich and fascinating histories of individual flowers – the sunflower, for example, which was regarded by the Aztecs as a symbol of war, but became a symbol of devotion in 19th-century painting due to the fact that it "turns its head" to follow the sun. Learn about the function of flowers in society, from the practical to the playful – flowers have been used as remedies and tonics – tea tree and coneflower (or echinacea), for example – as well as as a means of sending cryptic messages to lovers and friends.

The Secret Language of Flowers is an entertaining guide to the rich stories that lie beyond the seductive aromas and dazzling beauty of flowers of all kinds. Each flower featured throughout the book is arranged by season, from the first snowdrops and primroses of spring, the glorious roses of summer, the stunning fuchsias and dahlias of autumn to the holly and poinsettia of the winter months, there’s a flower for everyone to fall in love with. 

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery: 

So why stop there? 

If you like The Secret Language of Flowers, then why not try Great Loves which celebrates some of the most famous romances in history, or Lost Masterpieces to discover extraordinary stories behind the world's missing works of art.

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Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs