Author: Kate Greenaway. Illustrated by Kate Greenaway. 
Title: Kate Greenaway’s Language of Flowers.
Publisher: London, George Routledge and Sons, no date (1884). First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6 x 5 inches.
Pages: 80 pages.
Binding: Sttractive and very good publisher’s original cream vellum-style binding, ruled in gilt on both covers with the title elegantly stamped to the upper cover (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges gilt. The binding remains remarkably clean and bright with only light signs of age.
Content: Good to Very good content (bright, tight, foxing present, mainly heavier on the preliminary and final pages - as shown). Original pale green endpapers, confirming the early issue noted by Charles Baker (G66a). 
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated throughout by Kate Greenaway with numerous delicate color illustrations printed by Edmund Evans. The illustrations depict children, flowers, and pastoral scenes in Greenaway’s instantly recognizable style.

Estimate: (USD $400–500).

The book: The Language of Flowers is among the most charming of Kate Greenaway’s small illustrated gift books. Published in 1884 by George Routledge and Sons and printed in colors by the master printer Edmund Evans, the book combines Greenaway’s idyllic illustrations with the Victorian fascination for the symbolic meanings of flowers. Each flower is accompanied by its poetic sentiment—love, remembrance, innocence, or devotion—forming a visual and emotional lexicon that was widely used in Victorian society.

Bibliographer Charles Baker noted that the early issues of Greenaway’s works can be difficult to distinguish. However, this copy corresponds to the early issue described as BAKER G66a, identifiable by its pale green endpapers. The book’s elegant gilt edges, delicate typography, and harmonious illustrations make it one of the most graceful examples of the late-Victorian illustrated gift book tradition.

The author: Kate Greenaway (1846–1901) was one of the most beloved illustrators of the Victorian era. Her distinctive images of children dressed in Regency-style clothing, set in gentle pastoral scenes, captivated audiences across Europe and America. Working closely with the legendary printer Edmund Evans, Greenaway helped define the golden age of color-printed children’s books alongside contemporaries such as Walter Crane and Randolph Caldecott. Her books remain highly collectible today for their artistic beauty and enduring charm.