(Language of Flowers)    A. D., M.   L'ORIGINE DES FLEURS.   (Ou Le Songe d'Alboulkasem)     &nbspParis: Chez Le Fuel,   (1819).          A curious little gift almanach narrating the love affair between Aboulkasem and Thémire. Aboulkasem composes a sélam to express his love for Thémire through the symbolism of flowers. In a garden, Aboulkasem falls into a reverie (under the influence of poppies) and finds himself in a "jardin des fées" in which plants and animals speak. Thus the flowers speak for themselves of their meanings and some have rather lengthy legends. Six very attractive illustrations engraved by C. Johannot from drawings by Chasselot illustrate the fables of the text. There are notes in explanation of the fables and a small anthology of various poems on the flowers. With a four page calendar for 1819 containing handsome "en-tête" engravings at the top of each page. Only 2 copies listed on OCLC.   12mo (11.4 x7.2 cm); 147pp. including title page with engraved vignette + (1) + 6 engraved plates + (iv) engraved pp.of calendar.            Original pink paper boards, older re-backing with heavier pinkish paper, scuffed overall, spine ends shorter than boards; light to moderate scattered foxing, very little on plates; in original pink paper box, bottom edge of which is repaired. $75.00

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