Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin, was originally published in 1865 and contained the text of two lectures (Sesame, and Lilies). A preface and third essay were added to later editions. The lectures that comprised Sesame and Lilies (published 1865), delivered in December 1864 at the town halls at Rusholme and Manchester, are essentially concerned with education and ideal conduct.

Of Kings' Treasuries explored issues of reading practice, literature (books of the hour vs. books of all time), cultural value and public education. Of Queens' Gardens focused on the role of women, asserting their rights and duties in education, according them responsibility for the household and, by extension, for providing the human compassion that must balance a social order dominated by men. This book proved to be one of Ruskin's most popular, and was regularly awarded as a Sunday School prize.