The flower guide by John Wright vols II & IV

A handsome pair of late-Victorian horticultural reference volumes from The Flower Grower’s Guide by John Wright, F.R.H.S., one of the most respected British gardening authorities of the period. These volumes are bound in the original blue-grey cloth, decorated in the Art Nouveau style with flowing botanical motifs and red-lettered title panels to the upper boards. The covers retain their period aesthetic, with honest age-related wear, rubbing to edges and corners, and some fading and scuffing consistent with over a century of use. Internally, both volumes contain numerous high-quality chromolithographic plates depicting flowering plants in rich, saturated colour, alongside detailed horticultural text. The plates remain particularly attractive, with strong colour and clarity, making these books highly desirable for collectors of botanical illustration, gardeners, interior stylists, and those who frame antique plates. Publishing details: • Author: John Wright, F.R.H.S. • Illustrators: Miss Gertrude Hamilton, Miss Marie Low, and others • Publisher: J. S. Virtue & Co., Limited, London (City Road) • Date: Circa 1899–1902 • Volumes present: II and IV (from a multi-volume set) Condition notes: • Exterior: Worn but structurally sound; spine cloth rubbed with some loss; gilt titling partially rubbed. • Interior: Plates bright and clean overall; light foxing and age toning to text pages; binding secure.