Creative artist Robert Nicholls has done himself proud with his presentment of Delphinium, Poppies, Iris, Roses, Sweet Pea, and Sunflowers all placed against a backdrop of additional blooms.

Verses composed by Christina Rosetti, George Gordon- Lord Byron, William Morris, Anne Bradstreet, John Clare, and William Cox Bennett serve to provide a touching glimpse backward, and forward, of artistically styled affectionate verse, as well as odes occupied with feeling, passion and adoration.

Rossetti’ sonnet "I wish I could remember that first day" is printed across first of two pages and is accented with a popup bouquet featuring red poppies, daisy and greenery sandwiched with the second romantic verse placed on the next page.

I believe that few, perhaps none, whether moved by poetry or think of it as the worst wordage ever produced; have not heard Cloths of Heaven and quckly realize that George Gordon Byron - 6th Baron Byron penned the romantic lyric piece, “She walks in beauty like the night.”

William Morris’ Victorian Verse commences Love is enough though the world be awaiting and continues in romantic tener to the last line These lips and these eyes of the loved one and the lover.

It is followed with Anne Bradstreet’s passion occupied poem To My Dear and Loving Husband.

If ever two were one,

then surely we.

If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.

If ever wife was happy in a man, ….

Then while we live, in love let’s so, persevere That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Some might be surprised to realize that Anne Bradstreet, a Puritan woman, could without diffidence or shame pour unashamedly so much adoration, enthusiasm, love and lovesome emotion into 12 short lines.

Settled against a backdrop of delphinium and fuchsia; a bouquet of blue delphinium, pink fuchsia, a perfect lily flower and a pleasing butterfly seems a consummate match for Morris’ and Bradstreet’s lovingly romantic work.

Next verse presented is the gently composed delicate First Love. The work of English poet, John Clare, whose biographer called "the greatest labouring-class poet that England has ever produced.

Located against a background of multi colored mixed flowers is an endearing flower arrangement filled with daisy, aster, fuchsia, and a single lavender, perfect bearded, Iris, which seems to leap from the page propelled perhaps with the excitement of Clare’s beautiful words.

First Love, is an ethereal flow of words verifying heart felt touching dedication.

A Birthday, a second romantic work spanning two pages; scribed by Rossetti, opens with a proclamation describing her heart; My heart is like a singing bird. And ends with an explanation that she is explaining the birthday of her life.

A suitably created nosegay appears to burst from a bed of sweet peas, various pink rose hued blossoms, delicate full blown rose and a small blue bird.

The final poem bouquet duo features William Morris’ touching verse beginning with the words Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths and culminating in the poignant statement Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

William Cox Bennett’s The Worn Wedding-Ring interestingly is attributed to Anon.

Investigation of poetry sites and books all lead to William Cox Bennett as the penman presenting the rhyming verses. The ode gives lie to the impression that only the young can realize and experience deep romantic love. Bennett’s words stream with fidelity, lovingness, gravity, zeal, and commitment.

Bouquet is an autumn tinted selection of asters, fall leaves, sunflowers, and strawflowers. Not all pop-up books are designed for children, I have a growing accumulation of pop-up books, some with child pleasing text and others, as is this one, unabashedly meant for adults who also enjoy the medium.

Thomas Nelson Publishers have brought together an accumulation of loving rhymes, set upon firm high quality paper pages, cover is thick, heavy, smooth, gorgeous to view and a pleasure to open to bring up the glorious bouquets as tall as each of the pages.   

I really like this little book, Happy to recommend. Lovely addition for collector of pop up books, for use as a tuck in gift for a birthday basket for Mom, G’ma and treasured Auntie.

Elegant Read … Highly Recommended Absorbing Read … Recommended 

-------------------------------------------------

Reviewed by:MOLLY REVIEWS BOOKS molly martin

-------------------------------------------------

35+ years classroom teacher

-------------------------------------------------

AMAZON PRODUCT DETAILS

Title: With Love A Compilation of Romantic Verse and Paper Flowers Genre: Poetry, Pop Up Book

Hardcover: 5 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc (December 1, 1996)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0785273360

ISBN-13: 978-0785273363

Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches