Customer Reviews

Pioneer of Tropical Landscape Architecture: William Lyman Phillips in Florida

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Finally, thirty four years after the passing of one of the most important figures in the development of landscape architecture. A fine book detailing the life of this great man has surfaced. The book is titled "pioneer of tropical landscape architecture" by faith reyher jackson, published by the university press of florida. The book is a masterpiece in its detailed treatment of not only the man but the deep imprint that he left on the florida scene in the 20th century. William lyman phillips was a genius but his overwhelming modesty denied him his rightful place amongst the great landscape architects of his era. Jackson has skillfully and accurately covered all of the remarkable imprints that phillips has left on the florida and panama canal zone scene. As stated in the book overleaf, phillips was the project superintendent of the first wave of florida's civilian conservation corps and later the consultant to the national and county park service. Phillips built all of south florida i s public parks as well as large numbers of private ones. He designed dozens of public housing sites, hospitals, cemeteries, airports, roads, highways, private gardens and college campuses. His masterpiece was fairchild tropical garden. I strongly recommend this book to all those readers who have an interest in the life and achievements of unsung heroes.

Bertram Zuckerman, Historian and Curator of Special Collections, Fairchild Tropical Garden

This book is very well written, with a lot of insight into the career of a design professional. Good photos illustrating many different facets of the man's life and work. It was fascinating see how this man's career intertwined with his time in the well-known Olmstead office. A great read.