Glass Houses: A History of Greenhouses, Orangeries and Conservatories (Paperback)

~ Mary Woods (Author), Arete Swartz Warren (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The glass house (greenhouse, orangery, conservatory) is a unique incorporation of horticultural necessity into architecture. Woods (a British gardening enthusiast) and art historian Warren here document the history of the glass house from early construction attempts of the Renaissance to the present day. They tell of the demise of Nicholas Fouquet, who invited Louis XIV to a garden party: jealous of his chateau, the King promptly had Fouquet locked up. He died in jail in 1680. We also learn that Ludwig II of Bavaria had a secret indoor Kashmiri pavilioncomplete with lakes, waterfalls and a gilded boat. Aside from regaling the reader with horticultural trends and follies, such as the introduction of the pineapple to the British gentry, the authors discuss the technological advances in glass and gardening know-how that resulted in gardener-architect Joseph Paxton's triumph in the designing and speedy construction of London's Crystal Palace in 1851. They describe the geodesic dome and multiclimatic possibilities of the 20th century. Finally, there is a discourse on the resurgence of greenhouse popularity today. Sumptuous photos, early paintings and engravings marvelously illustrate the book.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Aurum Press (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1854101137
• ISBN-13: 978-1854101136
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #676,277 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Insider's Look at "Glass Houses", March 12, 2000

By	John J. Jackson "valhulla" (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a young entrepreneur in the late 80's, I was directed to May Woods' book as a source for researching my newest endeavor - designing and fabricating conservatories for the North American market. A builder, by trade, I was looking for a new venue in the construction arena. Until reading Ms Woods' book, I was only interested in the structural aspect and marketability of these beautiful glass facilities. I was so impressed by the historical background, personal insight and the obvious love of conservatories presented by Ms. Woods through her print media, that I took steps to arrange a meeting with her during a planned trip to London. Through a fellow conservatory design, who was a personal friend of Ms Woods', I was able to meet with the authoress. Her background in the "inner workings" of conservatories and her experiences as a conservatory owner in London helped me discover the most important aspect of conservatory designing - the ambiance of conservatory living. "Glass Houses" is the first book I recommend to my clients when they have questions regarding their desire to own a conservatory and what to do with it once they have it. More than just pictures, structural drawings and technical garble, it can serve as a terrific research tool when you are considering conservatory ownership.

4 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars AVERAGE, October 29, 1999

By A Customer

NEEDES MORE MATERIAL TO BE PUBLISED ON THE TECHIENCAL,STRUCTURE AND ENVIREMINTAL CONCEPT