The Book of the Conservatory (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This comprehensive, beautifully illustrated volume examines all aspects of the garden conservatory, both inside and out. Expert Peter Marston first looks at how the conservatory evolved, then explores the many different architectural styles suitable for houses of all periods, from the pavilion adjoining the country house to the garden room for the suburban dwelling. Both text and illustrations offer abundant ideas for furnishing, lighting, flooring, glazing, heating, and ventilation, revealing the conservatory to be one of the most versatile and desirable rooms in the house. The book also highlights various styles of conservatory gardening, with suggestions for suitable plants. Stunningly illustrated with 175 color photos, this is the perfect companion for all conservatory owners and aspiring owners. Peter Marston is the founder of Marston & Langinger, Britain's leading manufacturer of conservatories.

About the Author

Peter Marston combined his knowledge and love of architecture, carpentry and gardening under glass by founding, in 1972, the company that is now Marston & Langinger, to revive the art of building fine conservatories. His previous books include The Book of the Conservatory and Garden Room Style.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix Pub. (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753805014
• ISBN-13: 978-0753805015
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,052,512 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful source of ideas for conservatory designs., June 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of the Conservatory (Paperback)

This book is a real gem for anyone who is dreaming of having a conservatory one day. The photographs provide countless ideas for the design of a conservatory. In fact, it is difficult to just sit and read the book without going through all the photos first! What is also nice is that the photos showcase both the exterior and interiors of the conservatories.

Although the book does not tell how to build a conservatory, the author provides many practical pointers that the average person or builder would not know. These tips are especially useful if the conservatory has a dual purpose; i.e., dining room.

This book is an invaluable resource for anyone building a conservatory. I have yet to find any other book that covers the subject as exhaustively as this one.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Book of the conservatory, September 19, 2001

By A Customer

Somewhat informative but basic pictorial view of modern conservatory uses and alternatives. Like "Garden Room Style", also by Marston, barely veiled self serving to the fact that author is reputed to be linked to a manufacturing plant for conservatories and examples are dominated by same. Little here for the planner of a residential conservatory beyond what can be seen in brochures of British conservatory manufacturers that I have observed. Not much on construction, location and modern day applications of glass buildings. For inspiration and better visuals, see "Orangeries"(coffee table book), and "The Garden Room"(pictorial) or a selection of British conservatory companies' brochures.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The theory, aesthetics and practicalities of Conservatories, October 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of the Conservatory (Paperback)

Less of a how-to book than a source book for ideas and a very complete discusion on the history and theory of plant conservatories. Includes considerable detail on design features (floors, framing, furniture etc) and a small section on plants.

Virtually every one of the 170 pages contains drawings and photographs, mostly in color. The focus is British/North American, but translates to virtually any cold-temperate area in the world

You would probably need a how-to book if you were thinking of constructing a conservatory, and a planting guide book to fill it up, but you couldn't do better than start with this book to inspire and stimulate an interest in gardens under glass. A book for dreamers and do-ers alike.