A World of Gardens

(Paperback)

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Description

John Dixon Huntexplores our continuing responsesto land and reworkings of the natural world, encompassing a broad rangeof gardens, from ancient Roman times to early Islamic and Mughal gardens,from Venetian gardens to Chinese and Japanese gardens, as well asthe the invention of the public park and modern landscape architecture. AWorld of Gardens looks at key chapters in garden history, reviewing theirsignificance in past and present and tracing the recurrence of different themesand motifs in the design and reception of gardens throughout the world.

Reviews

In this fascinating series of illustrated essays, John Dixon Hunt explores the influences behind the design of gardens around the globe and uncovers recurring themes throughout the ages. Ideal for both garden visitors and students of design. * The English Garden *
A generous book, with an assortment of interesting imagery, this work is a well-presented historical examination of the garden . . . the book encourages you to look beyond the aesthetics of gardens to their origins, providing a context in which to better understand some of our greatest gardens. * Garden Design Journal *
Though writing in an accessible and enjoyable style, the author is clearly drawing from an impressively broad and deep base of academic knowledge and personal experience. Recommended. * Choice *
a comprehensive work of great value a giant distillation of the authors knowledge a reference book that makes many earlier histories almost irrelevant. * The Garden *
A World of Gardens has two audiences. One is Hunts ideal garden visitor, the person alert to all imaginative possibilites. Hunt is the perfect tour guide, an erudite cultural historian . . . the other audience is professionals and students in landscape architecture for whom the book could be quite instructive. * The Pennsylvania Gazette *
This captivating and richly illustrated work explores with most un-academic brio the fascinating variety of gardens found the world over. From the rough volcanic rocks used in Japanese gardens to the carefully-tended topiary of Versailles, Hunts magnificent tour of global horticulture opens our eyes to the garden in its many guises: playground, theater, laboratory, and cathedral. * Barnes and Noble Review *

Author Bio

John Dixon Hunt is Emeritus Professor of the History and Theory of Landscape at the University of Pennsylvania. His many books include Historical Ground (2014) and The Art of Ruskin and the Spirit of Place (Reaktion, 2020).