Thomas Jefferson: Landscape Architect

by Frederick Doveton Nichols, Ralph E. Griswold

Collaboration with the greatest botanists of his time, an instinctive humanitarianism, and a natural ingenuity in landscape design combined to make Thomas Jefferson a pioneer in American landscape architecture. Frederick D. Nichols and Ralph E. Griswold, in this close study of Jefferson’s many notes, letters, and sketches, present a clear and detailed interpretation of his extraordinary accomplishments in the field. Thomas Jefferson, Landscape Architect investigates the many influences on―and of―the Jeffersonian legacy in architecture. Jefferson’s personality, friendships, and convictions, complemented by his extensive reading and travels, clearly influenced his architectural work. His fresh approach to incorporating foreign elements into domestic designs, his revolutionary approach to relating the house to the surrounding land, and his profound influences on the architectural character of the District of Columbia are just a few of Jefferson’s contributions to the American landscape. Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century maps, plans, and drawings, as well as pictures of the species of trees that Jefferson used for his designs, generously illustrate the engaging narrative in Thomas Jefferson, Landscape Architect.

Genres: Architecture

196 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 1981

Reviews

[Maddie Morphis · Rating 2 out of 5]

way more historical than i was expecting. was thinking it would be more about landscape architecture and less about the history. enjoyed the drawings and photos

[Dave Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson, an American Renaissance man, will long be remembered for articulating the fundamental propositions of American self-government as set forth in the Declaration of Independence. That American practices have fallen short of his memorable principle; namely, that "all men are created equal"-- has made Jefferson the focal point of strident criticism. That Jefferson’s humane interests warrant a more sympathetic treatment is made evident in this monograph.

Frederick D. Nichols and Ralph E. Griswold’s “Thomas Jefferson, Landscape Architect” examines Jefferson's notes, letters, and drawings to present an authoritative analysis of Jefferson’s achievement in this oft overlooked domain. The study investigates the Jeffersonian legacy in architecture, landscape design, and horticulture. Jefferson's inquisitiveness, friendships, along with his concomitant travels and reading coalesced to form his vision of an integrated humane architecture fit for a new nation.

Jefferson incorporated many European elements into his American designs, assimilating the structure design to the natural landscape. Among his triumphs were the District of Columbia, Monticello, and the University of Virginia. The authors provide a bevy of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century maps, plans, and drawings, as well as lists of specific plantings that Jefferson suggested for his sites. In addition, many contemporary photographs of the Jeffersonian oeuvre are included in the text.

While this monograph does not necessarily make for scintillating reading, it is thorough, yet concise, and it is very well-illustrated. It is a book that will be equally at home with students of history, as well as students of horticulture.