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WIRT, Elizabeth Washington Gamble (1784-1857)
Flora's Dictionary
Baltimore: published by Lucas Brothers, [copyright dated 1855]. Quarto (11 1/4 x 8 3/4 inches). Chromolithographic additional title and presentation leaf, 12 hand-coloured lithographic plates after Miss Ann Smith, numerous wood-engraved illustrations, letterpress title and each page of text with decorative wood-engraved page surrounds. (Inscription on presentation leaf erased). Publisher's black morocco gilt, covers blocked in gilt with an overall design incorporating the title and a young couple seated on a grassy knoll, the flat spine blocked in gilt with an overall design incorporating the title, name and place of publication, and a floral bouquet, glazed endpapers, g.e. (rebacked, old spine expertly laid down) .
A very fine example of a popular 19th-century American colour-plate book: here in an exceptional publisher's binding
The binding is an example of American mid-19th century design at its most exuberant: within a border largely composed from fresh-cut wooden poles with intertwining climbing plants, a pair of young lovers sit on a flower-bedecked knoll. They hold between them the present work which they examine carefully. Above and behind them is a giant epergne laden with Solomon's seal, roses, columbine and grasses. This design appears on both covers and is echoed by the spine.
The main section of text of Flora's Dictionary is made up of about 230 entries arranged alphabetically from Acacia Rose (friendship) to Zinnia (absence). Each entry includes a brief definition (Laburnum: pensive beauty; Ranunculus: I am dazzled by your charms; etc.), followed by a selection of appropriate verses, from both the classics and contemporary authors. The next two sections deal with the botanical aspects of the flowers but also include the derivation of the name and the Linnaean classification of each flower. This is followed by a calendar with an appropriate flower for every day of the year. Finally, there is an index of sentiments arranged alphabetically with the appropriate flowers.
Elizabeth Washington Gamble the author of the present work was the daughter of Robert and Catherine Gamble of Richmond, Virginia and became William Wirt's second wife in 1802. They purchased a house in Richmond in 1808 and went on to raise a family of ten children. The present work is based on Elizabeth Wirt's manuscript of favorite quotations about flowers, which was first published anonymously as Flora's Dictionary in 1829. Later editions (such as the present example) identified the author as 'Mrs. E. W. Wirt of Virginia'.
A very rare 1855 publisher's broadside in the University of Virginia collection (R.O. Hummel Southeastern Broadsides 4405) gives details of the three forms in which this edition was issued. The present example of this "most Splendid Gift Book of the Season! / and / A Gift Book for all Seasons!!!" is from the second of three issues. The most expensive issue (cost $16.00): "First. - Richly illuminated title and presentation plate. Fifty-six groups [i.e. plates] colored from nature, illustrating all the flowers in the book. Bound in Turkey morocco, super extra, gilt edges, and Turkey morocco, antique, gilt edges." The next most expensive issue (the present copy) cost $9.00: "Second. - Richly illuminated title anfd presentation plate. Twelve groups colorted from nature. Bound in morocco, extra, gilt edges and full gilt sides." The $6.00 issue, included tthe title, presentation plate and six plates and was bound in "super extra muslin, gilt edges and full gilt sides"
Bennett p.115 (1837 edition); McGrath p.36 (1837 edition); Reese Stamped with a National Character 52 (1837 edition); Sabin 104868 (1837 and 1855 editions)
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#16152 $1,850.00 
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© 2002-2005 Donald A. Heald
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