Chrysanthemums

The name "chrysanthemum" means "golden flower" in Greek, from chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). The common name is also the genus name, Chrysanthemum, and the plants belong to the family Asteraceae. They are native to Asia and Northeastern Europe but are now grown commercially throughout the world, and there are countless cultivars. Chrysanthemums come in a panoply of flowers, sizes, and shapes, but this little book celebrates their "goldness" by decorating each page of text with a background featuring the pompom-type flower in yellow gold. The book mentions that the pompom or button-shaped flower was a favorite in rural England. The book itself is a celebration of the flower in history and culture, and it includes quotes from well-known historical figures, as well as facts about chrysanthemums. N. Hudson Moore—or Hannah "Nannie" Woodbridge Hudson Moore—wrote about antiques, as well as flowers, including books for children. Her wedding announcement in the December 3, 1890, New York Times newspaper, states that her bouquet was made of white chrysanthemums—not golden yellow, but close.