Experiencing Olmsted: The Enduring Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted's North American Landscapes

by The Cultural Landscape Foundation, Charles Birnbaum, Dena Tasse-Winter

200 Iconic Landscapes That Define North America 

Frederick Law Olmsted is the father of American landscape architecture. His firm, and the successor firms that sprung from it, worked through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to shape some of our most beloved green spaces, including national, state, and city parks, suburban neighborhoods, and academic campuses. He is most famous for creating New York’s Central and Prospect Parks, Stanford University’s campus, and the Capitol Grounds. What is less known and surprising about his legacy is that he worked widely across North America. 

By highlighting 200 iconic landscapes, many of which are still open to the public today, Experiencing Olmsted brings a fresh approach to the firms’ work and philosophy. It highlights not only grand city parks, but also other public venues born out of a desire for social equity. Olmsted was an early voice for parks as democratic spaces that could be reached on foot by a large percentage of any city’s populace. He viewed parks as restorative places—what he termed “the lungs of a city.” Brimming with contemporary and archival photography as well as original drawings and plans, this truly remarkable record brings these places to vivid life. 
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, History, Biography, Architecture

344 pages, Hardcover

First published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard of Frederick Law Olmsted while reading The Devil in the White City almost twenty years ago. I learned that he was the landscape architect for New York’s Central Park and helped design the grounds for the World’s Fair in Chicago. With this book I’ve come to understand the influence of his designs and work in landscape architecture across United States and Canada. The book is sectioned by states plus Canada describing parks, neighborhoods, universities, state and national parks which his firm is responsible for designing grounds. I was astounded at how many I have personally visited without realizing his influence. Essentially much of the Mall, White House, Capital Grounds and Memorials in Washington DC were designed by Olmsted. Whole state park systems in California and Colorado were planned by him. Universities, museums, city parks in many states carry his influence. I had no idea that my own state capitol grounds in Utah are his designs.

The book is informative and contains many beautiful photos. I truly learned from this book and also added a few places I want to visit after reading descriptions and seeing the photos. This would be welcomed addition to any library for its historical information and photography. I’m very happy to have read it. Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press and the authors for a temporary eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Catlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Few could argue the importance of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. in the field of landscape architecture. This book is a guide to those who want to experience the work of him and his firm across North America. I think the key word in the title is "Experience," as it is truly about the entire experience, not just "viewing" or "visiting." Organized by state (and also including 3 sites in Canada), each entry gives a brief summary of the history of the site and includes both the original plan (when available) and photos. The entries will really just whet the appetite, as they are not very substantial. While I realize it was a huge undertaking given the number of properties, I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of details about each site. In particular, it would be nice to have more emphasis on what makes a particular site a good example of the Olmsted style, as well as more photos. In some cases, the single photo chosen for inclusion does not do the site justice.

Thank you NetGalley and Timber Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Mardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Review of uncorrected page proofs provided without remuneration by NetGalley]
Frederick Law Olmsted has always held a special place in my heart because my aunts would come down to visit and want to go to Biltmore House. No matter the season or how many times I visit, the grounds, gardens, and surrounding woodlands never cease to leave me in awe. My favorite green spaces in the U.S. are all either Olmsted or Olmsted Firm designs.
I have no doubt this title will be a lovely coffee table book but it can also serve as a state-by-state travel guide to the Olmsted Firm's many projects. Entries feature maps, sketches, and photographs as well as brief but detailed descriptions of the planning and intention behind each project as well as those involved in the process. In addition to the geographic guide, the book includes biographical sketches of key members of the Olmsted Firms as well as an index and bibliography.

[Rebecca M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book on the landscape design work of Frederick Law Olmsted. I had no idea the extent of his work and influence. The book organizes Olmstead's projects by location with projects spanning more than 1/2 of the United States and Canada, and are illustrated with photos and maps from the past and present. The book closes with short bibliographies of Olmstead's contemporaries who helped create the remarkable green spaces we continue to enjoy today. I was left with a sense of gratitude and awe at the scope, longevity and generosity of their vision and talents. I will definitely be purchasing this book for easy access on my coffee table.

Thank you very much Timber Press and #NetGalley for the ARC e-copy of #Experiencing Olmstead

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Olmsted--epically important in American history. Landscape architecture and its impact western civilization--inestimable.

This book. Decent overview of a range of projects, but in attempting to cover so many it shortchanges them all. The descriptive text is brief and shallow, and the (tiny) images are an abject failure at capturing the magic and the power of Olmsted's work.

I'm at a total loss to understand why a book about world-changing landscapes would present what appear to be fine, large-format images at a scale that renders them observable only with a magnifying lens.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing to think one firm is responsible for so many parks and grounds. People need natural/vegetative space around them!