The Armchair Book of Gardens: A Miscellany

by Jane Billinghurst

Throughout history, people in all parts of the world have created gardens. What makes us so passionate about gardens, and what do they represent? This fabulous collection of prose and images explores gardens from many angles, celebrating their sensual, spiritual, aesthetic, social, and even political dimensions. In chapters such as "Shades of Paradise," "Statements and Style," "Gardens for Body and Soul," "Gardeners Rampant," and "Purely for Pleasure," writers from around the world evoke the garden in its many incarnations, sometimes lightheartedly, sometimes wittily, sometimes in regret or sorrow. Whether as a restorative retreat, a way to survive, a social showpiece, a bower filled with ghosts, or simply a lovely excuse to spend time outdoors, The Armchair Book of Gardens portrays the endless variety of ways humans have carved spots for themselves in the natural world. An inspiring array of full-color historical and contemporary images accompanies the text.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening

304 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2011

About the author

Jane Billinghurst is an editor, author, and translator. Her most recent translations include The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben.

Reviews

[Reggia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of gardening notes, quotes and anecdotes! I picked it up to read yesterday not realizing I'd already completed the last selection -- it was truly a sad realization.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3/22/26 My review pertains to the Lyons Press 2011 edition of this title. One of the primary merits of this book is the lovely illustrations. Beyond that, I enjoyed many of the literary selections, particularly those of authors from the 1700s and after. . The book's content is all-inclusive from a historical perspective. Selections from ancient China, the Mughal Empire and others were not appealing. Other readers may have a different opinion.