A Natural History of English Gardening 1650-1800

15 May, 2015
Author: Mark Laird
Genre: Natural History
Category: New Books

Mark Laird teaches landscape history at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and his deep understanding of his subject is apparent throughout this attractive book. Inspired by the pioneering naturalist Gilbert White, who viewed natural history as the common study of cultural and natural communities, Laird unearths forgotten historical data to investigate the birth of early modern gardening and the endeavours undertaken by its many champions. Illustrated with paintings, engravings, poetry, essays, and letters, as well as prosaic household accounts and nursery bills, Laird celebrates the English landscape garden as a powerful cultural expression.