The Oxford Companion to the Garden - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198662556 ISBN 13: 9780198662556

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2006

Synopsis

Devoted to gardens of every kind and the people involved in their making, The Oxford Companion to the Garden provides comprehensive coverage in 1,750 alphabetical entries detailing all aspects of the garden--from the ancient to the avant garde. It combines a survey of the world's gardens, biographies of garden designers, nurserymen, and others, and entries on the worlds of horticulture and plantsmanship, with articles on a range of topics from garden visiting to garden elements and styles, and from scientific issues to the social history of gardens.

Sumptuous color photographs by some of the world's best garden photographers, and elegant engravings of historical subjects give a vivid impression of what it is like to be in these inspirational gardens. Every type of garden is covered, from palace gardens such as Versailles to private gardens of outstanding design or plant interest, public gardens, botanic gardens and arboreta, late 20th-century land art, and contemporary gardens everywhere. Central to the book are the garden cultures of Italy, Britain, France, China, Japan, and the USA--unquestionably the most significant in the world--but the geographical coverage is worldwide, including such far-flung regions as Turkey, Peru, and Bali.

About this title

About the Author

Patrick Taylor is a well-known garden writer and lecturer. He has been writing about gardens and gardening for nearly twenty years and is the author of many books. He also has had regular columns in or written articles for The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph, Country Life, Gardens Illustrated, and The Garden.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Editor Taylor, together with his team of advisory editors and numerous special-interest contributors, has succeeded admirably in creating an updated version of The Oxford Companion to Gardens (1986). In its day, that publication was deemed a "pioneer" book in its field. The new volume expands the original international scope and supersedes and updates the content to include the latest scientific developments while adjusting some focal points to better address today's challenges. Gardens in previously inaccessible areas of the world--China, Eastern Europe, the Middle East--now are documented alongside those from the earlier edition. Genetic modification of plants, Herbicides, Organic gardening, and Pest control are just a few examples of formerly minor topics that have risen to the forefront and here are given ample discussion space.

All sizes, shapes, and types of gardens throughout the world are showcased here, from the Chelsea Physic Garden in London to the Chinampas of Xochimilco, Mexico City. The 1,750 alphabetically arranged entries range in size from just a few lines to several pages. Descriptions of the history of gardening within selected countries, including the styles and movements, are the longest entries. Greatest emphasis is on Great Britain, the U.S., France, Germany, and Italy. Garden descriptions are usually brief and outline histories, designers, size, type, and whether the garden is open to visitors. Biographical entries cover architects, artists, designers, gardeners, scientists, sculptors, writers, and others who influenced garden design. Other entries treat garden styles, features, and terms and various aspects of gardening history and gardening-related activities. Each entry is signed and, where appropriate, contains bibliographic references. Stunning full-page color plates of notable gardens are interspersed throughout. A thematic index is located at the beginning of the guide, preceding the main text, while a "Select Index," providing see references instead of page numbers, and a topical bibliography are at the end.

One would be hard-pressed to find many other garden guides equivalent in scope or authority to this work. The three-volume Encyclopedia of Gardens: History and Design (2001) is more comprehensive but also more focused on Europe. A treat for garden lovers and an excellent starting point for anyone exploring gardens throughout the world, The Oxford Companion to the Garden is not to be missed. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries. Ann Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0198662556
• ISBN 13: 9780198662556
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 584
• Editor: Taylor Patrick