MoonglotexasAnticipating a detailed discussion of the gardens in the style of the Arts and Crafts Movement, I was surprised by the focus on architecture and home design in the first few chapters of Gardens of the Arts and Crafts Movement by Judith B. Tankard but I continued on, expecting the book to move towards the garden thereafter. Whilst the gardens of these statement homes are mentioned, it isn’t the central point. I found the intensity of names, quotes and historical happenings too much for me and it was less visual, with fewer photos of the gardens, than I hoped. I am certain the are readers who will be thrilled by this well-researched and detailed book outlining the development and progression of the entire Arts and Crafts Movement both in England and around the world but it wasn’t for me. It’s a three out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale for me.
From the back cover:
In this revised edition of Gardens of the Arts and Crafts Movement, landscape scholar Judith B. Tankard surveys the inspirations, characteristics, and development of garden design during the movement. Tankard presents a selection of houses and gardens of the era from Great Britain and adds new examples from North America. With almost 300 illustrations and photographs, and an emphasis on the diversity of designers who helped forge the movement, this book is an essential resource for this truly distinct approach to garden design.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Timber Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
