Book Review and my Book of the Week

By Stephen Parker

Published by Dorling Kindersley, June 29 2023

Hard cover 224 pages. £25

ISBN: 978-0-2416-1157-9

I like to highlight special books on this blog. One of this year’s most beautifully-written and visually stunning is England’s Gardens, A Modern History.

Stephen Parker gives us a modern-day tour and an update on the history of some of the most iconic, enduring, and influential gardens across the country.

The book highlights well-known sites such as Sissinghurst and Great Dixter, and also covers other special and unique gardens such as Prospect Cottage and The Laskett. “It’s a celebration of England’s gardens in all their glorious diversity, sublime beauty, and exuberant eccentricity,” says the press release. I couldn’t agree more!

There are 20 case studies in all, with well-written accounts of the stories behind the gardens, the people who made them and the legacies they leave behind. This is another highly recommended publication from the well-respected Dorling Kindersley stable. Some quite remarkable books have arrived on our shelves this summer from DK. This one by garden historian Stephen Parker takes us on a fascinating and joyful journey around Britain. And I enjoyed every minute of my excursion!

https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241643808-englands-gardens/

Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/book/englands-gardens/stephen-parker/9780241611579

Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/england-s-gardens-stephen-parker/7280290

Hive: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Stephen-Parker/Englands-Gardens–A-Modern-History/27638806