"I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain." John Keats The Book of the Butterfly is a captivating collection of butterflies and moths depicted by artists, photographers and illustrators. Stunning illustrations of winged beauties are interspersed with quotes, proverbs and short pieces of text exploring how butterflies have inspired artists from the 17th century to the present day. Capturing imaginations and finding their way into some of the greatest works of art, butterflies have been used as a spellbinding symbol for centuries, representing themes of rebirth, hope, transformation, marriage and the fleeting nature of beauty. Featuring Maria van Oosterwijck's sumptuous memento mori, Vincent Van Gogh's Great Peacock Moth and Frida Kahlo's Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird , this is the perfect gift for art lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and fans of these popular insects.