Celebrate the exotic beauty of these long-cherished flowers! The next-best thing to having pots and greenhouses filled with fragrant orchids is this oversize and lush volume devoted solely to the species" abundant variety. Spectacular photography captures their silky petals, extraordinary colors, and extravagant forms. Lyrical verses drawn from diverse sources--ranging from the Bible to the plays of Shakespeare--accompany the images and exalt the flower. A lively introduction traces its history and culture, detailing its appearance in art and literature and offering insights into the passion orchids always arouse. Whether as a gift for someone special, or as an irresistible self-indulgence, this will surely be treasured by orchid lovers everywhere!