This book presents a chronological review of garden design which both simplifies the big picture and supplies a rationale, with examples, of the merits and demerits of each design period while reflecting on the social conditions which generated each one. It gathers together design ideas and their implementation over the last 500 years, presented in historical order and simplified to allow easy digestion by the reader, particularly if meeting the subject for the first time. As such the book demystifies history and identifies the relative importance of new approaches in design, particularly where they are seen to be progressive. Essential examples from each design period or style are included, based upon their contribution to the progress of design and relating to their value, particularly in the teaching of garden and landscape design principles. Thus the reader will be able to quickly grasp the essence of historical design styles, discover where they can go to see them for themselves and to appreciate how relevant they are to present day theories of design.By concentrating on Britain's own heritage the book offers a sound understanding of influences and thereby helps to inform design practice. Since the principles of design are universal, it will be of relevance in many countries throughout the world. The book is illustrated with photographs, diagrams and plans, creating a readily-accessible and informative volume.
Reviews
'Anyone looking around a park, a garden or an estate landscape, wondering how and why it came to be like it is, needs this book. ...such impressive detail and knowledge. ... There's a sense of being in the hands of a very competent no-nonsense teacher with his eye on the ball. It's so clear, informative and concise. ...this book is added value. It makes you think as well as look. An education, in fact.' Gloucestershire Gardens & Landscape Trust Newsletter 'Gordon Haynes identifies principal designers during the period, extant examples, and the principal components, before going on to discuss in detail the history and design, contextualising the features which define the stage using pictures and photographs where possible to illustrate his points.' ProLandscaper 'I am very impressed with this very comprehensive and ordered publication concentrating on our British landscape history. I particularly like the way it covers the specific architecture and landscape features of the period and relevant historical landscape, in a way that none of the other texts we currently have on our reading lists really cover. ...it also fills in many gaps with the less known therefore providing us with a detailed and comprehensive resource and account of our landscape history.' Senior Lecturer, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK '...a beautiful book that is ideal for touring the rich history of the British garden and landscape architecture... The book is of course also suitable as teaching material about history, with an extensive bibliography for further study. ...a pleasant book...' Blauwe Kamer '...will open eyes and minds and encourage designers and students alike to look deeper into the subject of garden history. ...it will give them an insight into garden history, this being extremely important'. Garden Design Journal '...Gordon Haynes... seeks to acquaint the reader with the relationship between good landscapes and examples drawn from history. ...this book is the ideal companion for travelers to Britain who enjoy touring famous country houses'. Chicago Botanic Garden '...an account (and an extraordinarily wide-ranging one) of garden styles in Britain from 1500 to the present day, but it is also a pithy critique of attempts, particularly in recent years, to categorise and conserve the best parks and gardens that survive from the parst. ... It is written with great good humour and in a relaxed, non-academic style. Although primarily appealing to readers who are relatively new to garden history or conservation, even the most jaded of experts will surely enjoy this fresh approach'. Historic Gardens Review 'It is refreshing to find a book on the history of landscape and garden design which focuses on British gardens. ... I enjoyed this romp through garden history, which clearly explains the differences between the various garden design periods without going into too much detail or theory. ...anyone with a curiosity or love of garden design in the UK would find this an admirable reference aid.' Dorset Garden Trust Newsletter



Book Information
ISBN 9781849950824
Author Gordon Haynes
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Whittles Publishing
Publisher Whittles Publishing
Weight(grams) 444g
Dimensions(mm) 239mm * 171mm * 10mm