Gardens of Italy [Hardcover]

Ann Laras (Author), Ake E:son Lindman (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2005

This inspirational book is an illustrated survey of more than 60 major gardens in Italy, from the lakes north of Milan down to Ravello in the south. They include the Villa Balbianello, Isola Bella, Giardini Giusti, Villa Medici, Villa Gamberaia, La Mortella, Villa Lante, Villa d'Este, Giardini di Ninfa, plus some important modern gardens. All the gardens featured are open to the public.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ann Laras works for a television company in Stockholm. Journalist, photographer and garden historian, she has travelled extensively throughout Italy, visiting as many historic and modern gardens as possible.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln (September 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0711224900
• ISBN-13: 978-0711224902
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 10.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,026,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated, November 22, 2005

By 

Lupo Montegrigio (Stockholm, Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gardens of Italy (Hardcover)

Sixty gardens is of course a personal selection of gardens by the author. And I miss quite a few of historic and design-wise interesting places. Le Marche is not represented at all and Villa Barbarigo is also missing, along with some smaller, but exquisite gardens scattered over the peninsula. That said, the photos are great and most of the more famous places are well illustrated. The text is not that of a deep-probing and exploring academic, it's simply describing the place with some impressions and a few facts well known from previously published books. The best book on the subject is still Georgina Massons 'Italian Gardens' from the 1950's. Very strange...

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful guide to those who love romantic gardens, September 20, 2011

By 

bookloverFLA (south of Sarasota FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gardens of Italy (Hardcover)

I am not as expert as the first reviewer but can only say after checking this out of my local library I had to own a copy to plan and dream of a future trip to Italy and visit just a few of these gorgeous gardens. What I really love is that in the back of the book each garden is located on a map and hours/dates of opening is given, along with address and telephone number. What a wonderful resource.

And if I never get to visit I can use some of the style in my own small garden. Perhaps a lemon tree in a pot or a rose growing into a tree.

Of course a book could be written and lavishly photographed from almost each of the major gardens included but I'm glad for this compendium as it is.