Plants in Garden History: An Illustrated History of Plants and Their Influence on Garden Styles-From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day [Paperback]

Penelope Hobhouse (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999

How did exotic, oriental plants find their way into the borders of English gardens? Penelope Hobhouse - plantswoman, garden designer and authority on historic gardens - is uniquely qualified to shed new light on the absorbing history of gardens from ancient Egypt to the twentieth century. This is a book on the history of gardens and gardening which describes the evolution of the Western model and explains the various historical factors which have created the modern idea of gardening as both art form and popular pastime. In her survey of the rich heritage of Western gardening, Penelope Hobhouse's text is complemented by a collection of illustrations that range from the earliest Egyptian tomb painting to some of today's best garden photography.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Penelope Hobhouse's book is festooned with grand ideas. In Plants in Garden History, Hobhouse addresses design theory and the succession of styles, but her real concern is at ground level, among the foliage and inflorescences of the plants themselves. As a result, Plants in Garden History is an unusually informative and accessible history for practicing gardeners." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

In this sumptuous survey, Penelope Hobhouse—distinguished plantswoman, garden designer, and historian—presents a definitive history of gardens and gardening, exploring the evolution of the Western model and the historical factors that have created the modern idea of gardening as both popular pastime and art form. Against this backdrop, Hobhouse focuses on the plants themselves—the raw materials of the garden maker’s art. Opulently illustrated with 375 paintings, illuminated manuscripts, botanical drawings, and frescoes, as well as period and contemporary photographs, this is a classic work that will be consulted for years to come. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857932730
• ISBN-13: 978-1857932737
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #220,533 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on Garden History I've read, June 7, 2000

By 

drdebs (CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plants in Garden History: An Illustrated History of Plants and Their Influence on Garden Styles-From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day (Paperback)

This beautiful book by one of the most acclaimed gardening experts in the world is a fascinating walk through the gardens of the past. From ancient gardens through to medieval enclosed gardens and more modern garden styles, Hobhouse is a fantastic guide to matters of style, content, and design.

If you enjoy garden history, or books like Anna Pavord's The Tulip I think you will really like this book. It is also great inspiration if you would like to include a historical garden (like a knot garden) into your landscaping plans

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, January 23, 2000

By 

"salrig" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plants in Garden History: An Illustrated History of Plants and Their Influence on Garden Styles-From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day (Paperback)

I first saw this book at an art bookshop. It is one of the lovliest books I have see in a long time. I am just about to purchase it and I can hardly wait to receive it in the mail. For anyone loving plants, beauty and history this would make such a excellent present.