Bloom

Exploring the intersection of botany and sexuality, this study delves into the influence of botanical trends from the eighteenth century on courtship novels by Jane Austen, George Eliot, and Henry James. It reveals how these works reflect and shape cultural understandings of desire and relationships, highlighting the emergence of the "blooming girl" as a significant figure in both literature and science. By connecting literary themes with natural history, the book offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of romantic narratives in the context of botanical fascination.