Illustrated History of Landscape Design

by Elizabeth Boults, Chip Sullivan

Will be dispatched from UK. Used books may not include companion materials, may have some shelf wear, may contain highlighting/notes, may not include CDs or access codes. 100% money back guarantee.

Genres: Landscape Architecture, Nonfiction, Design

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2010

Reviews

[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun way to tell the history of landscape design. A book telling about all of world history must, of necessity, be a very high overview. These authors hit some highlights, but they also had some interpretations and ideology that crept in (something I wasn’t really expecting from such a sweeping project). The design of the book was compelling, though. The drawings pulled me through the text. I did get some good ideas for designers and gardens to study more, and the footnotes were excellent and helpful. The later centuries focused mainly on the United States and corporate gardens; however, the earlier centuries covered most of the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere is almost completely left out. Overall, it was an interesting book that focused mainly on very large and expensive gardens.

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-structured and insightful. The book presents iconic landscapes through centuries and regions, with unique illustrations that reveal both historical context and cultural connections—highly valuable for today’s design thinking.

[Quynh Tram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Organized by century and geography, this book offers a clear and comprehensive overview of landscape history. The detailed illustrations highlight cultural interactions and historical conditions that have shaped iconic sites, providing a rich foundation for contemporary design exploration.

[Thinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most was how the book guides you through the evolution of landscapes across different eras. The combination of clear structure and vivid illustrations makes it easy to grasp not only the history, but also how these ideas can inspire modern design.

[Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book bridges past and present. Its illustrations don’t just show landscapes, they capture the stories and cultural ties behind them—offering fresh inspiration for anyone shaping the spaces of tomorrow.