This beautiful book, so affordable in its paperback edition is the unabridged republication of Flora's Feast: A Masque of Flowers, first published in 1889. It contains 40 color illustrations by the English illustrator and painter Walter Crane (1845-1915). Crane was a leading designer of Art Nouveau textiles and wallpaper and his Art Nouveau stylings are seen in these whimsical and romantic illustrations. Children as well as adults will enjoy this beautiful book which opens with Flora, the Goddess of Flowers waking the flowers from their slumber. "The sullen winter nearly spent, Queen Flora to her garden went, To call the flowers from their long sleep, The year's glad festivals to keep." Attired in Greek-styled drapes, sandals, tunics, and gowns the various flowers, beginning with the earliest crocuses and snowdrops, begin a parade across the pages of this book that proceeds through the seasons from summer through autumn and finally back to winter. Each season's favorite flowers are accompanied by quaint poetic descriptions written by Crane and bear the look of familiar blossoms incorporated into their costumes. We are fortunate indeed to have this rare treat available to us once again. Don't miss it. ( )