This popular guide, first published in 1982, evolved from a successful series of leaflets edited by Daphne Vagg for Insight, the Education Journal for Flower Arrangers formerly published by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS). The only available book of its kind, with sections on flower arranging in ancient civilisations around the world as well as specific periods in British history from the Tudors to the 1920s and 1930s, it is a fascinating and useful guide for flower arrangers and an invaluable teaching aid for flower arranging courses. It is widely used for reference and inspiration by students and professional and amateur floral artists, as well as floral art competition judges and floristry and flower arranging educators.

With contributions from well-known names in the history of flower arranging and additional material supplied by Maureen Geddie (Renaissance), Rita Quirk and Lesley Sturdy (Chinese) and members of the NAFAS Education and Judges Committees, this third edition also contains two new comprehensive chapters on Japanese and Indian floral art. Many of the original illustrations by John Vagg are included with new illustrations in the Indian chapter by Margaret Murray.