Booklist Review

Did you ever wonder about the relationship between the terms gladiolus and gladiator, or amaryllis and syphilis, or nasturtium and cappucino? Even if you haven't, Barnette reveals them and many more linguistic mysteries under the clever pretense of discussing the origins of the names of 22 common flowers. As she explains in the introduction, "The etymological histories of flower names in this book provide an excuse for talking about the book's real subject: language itself . . . [and for a romp through] history, culture, science, philosophy, literature, and myth." The Greek, Latin, and other roots of the names aster, geranium, zinnia, and others will fascinate gardeners, writers, and readers of all varieties. ~--Denise Perry Donavin