The elegant garden
Subtitle: architecture and landscape of the world's finest gardens
By: Johann Kräftner
Publisher: Rizzoli; Rizzoli International Publications, Incorporated
Published: 2012
Place of publication: New York, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 432
ISBN-13: 9780789331021
Subjects: Landscape gardening; Design; Gardens; Pictorial works
Description: The first major illustrated monograph in many years on the history of gardens, landscape design, and architecture, focusing on both the Western and Eastern traditions and their influences. Ambitious in scope and lavishly illustrated, this book surveys every period in garden design and landscape architecture, from classical antiquity and the medieval cloisters to the latest trends in modern design. Captured here are two millennia of garden history--the most comprehensive garden photo documentary ever undertaken by a single author. From the Roman gardens at Hadrian's villa to the modern work of landscape architects, historical and contemporary gardens are showcased with special attention to the relationship between gardens and houses. The informative text reveals the evolutions, transformations, influences, and trends that characterize these beautiful landscapes, putting into context their aesthetic appeal. Gardens are unique, reflecting the landscape, flora, and climate of their environments as well as the heritage, history, architectural styles, and influences of society. From the fountain gardens of Persia to the prairie-style gardens currently popular, from the Zen gardens of Buddhist temples to the Impressionist gardens in Giverny, the huge variety of gardens is a testament to our age-old desire to tame and refashion nature. This gorgeously photographed book will captivate travelers and garden admirers alike and inspire gardeners with ideas for design, horticulture, and use.
Notes: "Originally published in German in 2012 by Christian Brandstätter Verlag, GmbH & Co KG, Wickenburggasse 26 A-1080 Vienna"--Page 432.

Includes index.
Table of contents: title: The garden, a place of eternal life; title: Arcadia's first rebirth, the Italian garden; title: Ordered nature, the French garden; title: The world as marvel and harmony, the Chinese garden; title: From abstraction to meditation, the Japanese garden; title: The designed landscape, the English garden; title: Caprices of imagination, follies and pavilions; title: Palaces without walls, orangeries and greenhouses; title: The art of functional beauty, trellises, gazebos, and pergolas; title: The art of beautiful cutting, topiary; title: Rooms with sky, the courtyard garden; title: Everyday oases, the small garden; title: Dialogues between tradition and innovation, the new garden; title: Index.