For Romans, genius loci was literally 'the genius of the place', the presiding divinity who inhabited a site and gave it meaning; while we are less attuned to divinity today, we still sense that a place has significance. In this book, eminent garden historian John Dixon Hunt explores genius loci in many settings, including contemporary land art, the paintings of Paul and John Nash, the work of the travel writers such as Henry James, Paul Theroux and Lawrence Durrell on Provence, Mexico and Cyprus, and landscape architects who invent new meanings for a site. This is a nuanced, thoughtful exploration of how places become more significant to us through the myriad ways we see, talk about and remember them.

About the Author
John Dixon Hunt is professor emeritus of the history and theory of landscape at the University of Pennsylvania. His many books include Historical Ground and The Art of Ruskin and the Spirit of Place, the latter also published by Reaktion Books.


Book Information
ISBN 9781789146080
Author John Dixon Hunt
Format Hardback
Page Count 248
Imprint Reaktion Books
Publisher Reaktion Books