The Gardens of William Morris [Hardcover]

Jill Douglas-Hamilton, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon (Author), Penny Hart (Author), John Simmons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999

William Morris, designer, poet, socialist - nature lover. This volume focuses on Morris's vision of the garden, uncovering the principles which had such a profound effect on garden designers such as Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson. Guided by Morris and the plants which appear in his work, this book endorses gardening with indigenous plants, giving information, both historical and practical, for gardening the William Morris way.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'This is an enormously enjoyable book, with a lively text and excellent photographs... essential reading for all William Morris fans and anyone interested in the trend towards gardening with, not against, nature.' Gardens Illustrated 'So this is where this Victorian reformer-conservationist, visionary and craftsman got his ideas for his fabrics and wallpapers: in the gardens he made, illustrated here.' Fred Whitsey, Daily Telegraph" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

The founder of the Arts & Crafts movement, William Morris drew enormous inspiration from nature in the creation of his intricate patterns. Yet until the publication of this book, few people have realized the enormous impact he had on the evolution of the English garden. In fact, it was Morris who so inspired Gertrude Jekyll that she turned her attention to the garden.

Exploring the gardens Morris designed at his three homes and his factory, this lively mix of biography, anecdote, and horticultural information details Morris's influence on garden design from the nineteenth century to today. The text draws greatly on Morris's lectures, poetry, and prose to illuminate his thoughts on gardening. The book also describes the native plants Morris included in his designs. Over forty plants-all of which are readily available in the United States and Canada-are pictured, and their growing habits defined in full.

The interplay of nature and art is a highlight of the book, which features over fifty examples of Morris's works, as well as paintings by Burne-Jones, Millais, and Rossetti shown side-by-side with the plants that inspired them.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Stewart Tabori & Chang; 1ST edition (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556708718
• ISBN-13: 978-1556708718
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #365,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gardens of William Morris, March 5, 2000

By 

Diana v Bennett (Deloraine, Tasmania Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gardens of William Morris (Hardcover)

I loved this book. It demonstrated for me the real "art" of gardening. William Morris was a clever and far sighted man who advocated staying within the parameters of nature and natural beauty when making gardens. He also perpetuated the "garden room" theme which has been enormously popular since the eighteeth century. I refer to this book continuously and strive to design and construct garden rooms in my own garden which are as beautiful.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book, June 18, 2007

By 

Alice M. Dubroff "AliceWyatt" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Gardens of William Morris (Paperback)

Excellent book! Delivered as described. Thank you!