Peter Parker

Flower power: symbols of romance and revolution

The rose, carnation, chrysanthemum and sunflower are among many examined by Kasia Boddy that have become stirring emblems throughout history

The sunflower, thought to symbolise the radiant majesty of Charles I in Van Dyck’s self-portrait , has been adopted as an emblem by wildly diverse groups [Getty Images]
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  • Blooming Flowers: A Seasonal History of Plants and People

    Kasia Boddy

    Yale, pp. 250, £14

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