Gardens: A Short History

This diminutive book explores the history and evolution of the garden, not only as an art form but also as sacred space for a lively partnership between humans and nature. Spanning from antiquity to modern times, Campbell (The Hermit in the Garden) traces the origins of gardens in both Eastern and Western cultures, noting that “in the West, for example, gardens are usually centered on horticulture, whereas in the East, gardens are often centered on stones.” Touching on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; Roman gardens of cypress, pine, pomegranate, and palm; sacred gardens of South Asia; Islamic gardens; and 20th-century British cottage gardens, this small book covers much ground. As knowledgeable as it is accessible, this concise and expertly drawn history enlightens and delights. (Feb.)