World’s Fair Gardens: Shaping American Landscapes

In today’s linked world, new ideas speed around the globe at a fantastic rate, regional differences are losing their sharpness, and international events all seem to share the same homogenous corporate veneer. Editor and author Maloney (Chicago Gardens: The Early History) chronicles a time when international exhibitions such as world’s fairs were crucibles of innovation. The nine great fairs that were held in the United States between 1876 and 1940 left their mark on America. The millions who visited the fairs were introduced to European planting schemes and exotic tropical plants, new technologies that ranged from the miraculous mechanical lawnmower to breathtaking outdoor electric lights, and engineering feats that would change the landscape of some of America’s greatest cities. The fairs also solidified the reputation of many of America’s most important landscape architects, whose work still remains in some former host cities. It’s hard to imagine any single event being so influential today. Those interested in the history of American landscape design will find Maloney’s tour an illuminating guide. 53 color and 70 b&w illus. (Nov.)