In Victorian England, and in other cultures, flowers were used to convey specific meanings and messages, especially in the coy rituals of courtship. Botanical Inspirations Deck and Book Set brings together the Secret Language of Flowers with the treasured artwork of Pierre-Joseph Redouté. Each Botanical Inspirations card features a thoughtful quotation that alludes to the symbolism of the flower. The accompanying guidebook presents inspirational affirmations and narrative vignettes culled from history, mythology, lore and legend. From the demure violet to the noble magnolia, all flowers have stories to tell and lessons to share.

This charming gift set includes: 44 cards with quotations and flower meanings, 100-page illustrated guidebook with messages of insight and inspiration, Fold-out guide to the Secret Language of Flowers, and drawstring organza pouch.

About the Illustrator, Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840): Pierre-Joseph Redouté was born to a Flemish family of decorative painters. As a young man he went to Paris, where he began painting the flowers of the royal gardens. His detailed etchings caught the attention of botanists who taught him more about the anatomy of plants and artists who introduced him to a new watercolor technique for illustrating flowers. Marie Antoinette hired Redouté to decorate the walls of her château. By the late 1790s Redouté had become the most famous and sought after flower painter in Europe. Empress Josephine invited him to come to Château de Malmaison to paint the flowers in her magnificent garden, which held over 200 varieties of roses. Between 1817 and 1824 Redouté published a three-volume collection of his rose paintings called Les Rose, his most famous publication. Since roses were Redouté's trademark, we have included four of his rose paintings in this Botanical Inspirations deck.