Garden Styles. An Illustrated History of Design and Tradition

" The history of some of the world's greatest gardens has been a complex process of revision and alteration. Some of the most influential gardens have not survived, and many of those that have barely show the evidence of major phases in their evolution. In order to give some idea of what these gardens must have looked like in their original form, contemporary prints, engravings, and paintings, in addition to lavish color photographs, are included among the book's 210 illustrations. Garden Styles ends with an appraisal of the major themes evident in 20th-century garden design, as experienced primarily in Europe and the United States. The world has changed greatly since the days of princely gardens and gentlemen architects, but the indications are that garden making is still a principal means of expression for the private individual and, on a broader scale, provides a valuable barometer of man's relationship with his environment. With descriptions of over 200 of the world's finest gardens and superb illustrative content, Garden Styles offers a treasure-trove for all who love gardens. Of The Oxford Companion to Gardens Fred Whitsev wrote in the Daily Telegraph, 'I rate it one of the most valuable gardens reference books to have at one's side. David Joyce is a freelance editor and writer with a passionate interest in gardening. Among the books, he has contributed to are The English Garden Tradition and The Chelsea Year."