- Hardcover: 192 pages
- Publisher: BBC Books; illustrated edition edition (30 Oct 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0563488972
- ISBN-13: 978-0563488972
- Product Dimensions: 28 x 24.8 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
-
Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
397,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #75 in Books > Home & Garden > Gardening > Encyclopedias > Royal Horticultural Society
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Plus, get an extra £5 Gift Certificate when you trade in books worth £10 or more before June 30, 2012. Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. |
Product details |
More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
When a gardening writer and TV presenter enjoys the unprecedented success of Alan Titchmarsh, it must be difficult to keep coming up with fresh concepts to tickle the palate of a devoted public. With Royal Gardens: The History of Britain's Royal Gardens, Titchmarsh is clearly onto another winner. The royal gardens of Great Britain represent some of the most glorious horticultural achievements and Titchmarsh is the perfect guide, both in this sumptuous book and the accompanying TV series. Rather like opera, gardens were once the exclusive preserve of the wealthy and the titled, and the democratisation that put such delights within all our grasps is a relatively recent phenomenon. Of course, however much attention we lavish on our own modest plots (with such Titchmarsh books as How To Be a Gardener at our elbow), most of us won’t be able to aspire to the acres of beauty so comprehensively covered here, and our pleasure will come from visits to these splendid sanctuaries.
What do we need to look for on our visits? This is where the expert eye of Titchmarsh comes to the fore--not to mention his avuncular manner, as evident in his books as in his TV appearances. In tracing the history of magnificent royal gardens from medieval times to the present day, both sumptuous modern photography and evocative period illustrations are used to conjure the palaces and gardens for us (needless to say, many did not survive); the moods evoked by the gardens range from the modest and engaging to the awe-inspiring and epic, and Titchmarsh is equally adroit at catching the essence of each garden, from the serene splendour of Hampton Court’s Privy Garden to the Georgian gardens that are such a much-loved feature of Kew Gardens. Unlike most Titchmarsh books, this one does not present gardens that are easy to emulate, but most will find sheer pleasure in just looking. --Barry Forshaw
Product Description
Alan Titchmarsh takes us on a fascinating tour through the history of Britain's royal gardens from medieval times to the present day. Taking in existing royal gardens as well as many that now only exist in paintings, Alan uncovers the stories behind the gardens and the colourful monarchs who created them. From Hampton Court Palace to Kew Palace and Gardens, to Osborne House and through to the modern day developments at the Prince of Wales' home at Highgrove, Alan takes a highly personal canter through Britain's gardening heritage. Fully illustrated with original plans, designs, letters, planting records and full colour diagrams of the major surviving gardens, this book charts some of the most outstanding gardens in Britain.
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
59 of 61 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Firstly I have to say that this book is written in the same soft, relaxing and interesting tone of Alan's voice. The pictures are stunning and the flowers are breathtaking and along with the interesting (although sometimes too technical) writing this is a lovely read and the price is very keen.
Strongly recommended as a Christmas present.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The pictures are lovely and this makes a good coffee table book or present. It has particularly interest if you've been to see one of the gardens in question, such as Hampton Court.
It also informed me of the rich gardening heritage that we have in Britain I am not a gardening expert at all and so sometimes the writing was too technical for me but having said that it was easy to read.
One for those interested in history of British gardens or who want to be inspired by the Palace gardens that still remain.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3 reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Kings and Queens shape English garden style
23 Nov 2008
Format:Hardcover
The history of English gardening, as related by one of England's most beloved garden authorities, was guided and influenced by the Royal family over hundreds of years.
Alan Titchmarsh has written a fascinating book full of insightful observations and little-known facts about gardening tools, people, and plants. Along the way we discover how English gardening was influenced by the choices and preferences of the Kings and Queens of England, and by the trends that came over from Italy, France, and Holland. As time went on, England finally developed its own distinct style - a style that we still admire and emulate today.
Highly recommended for those who are interested in English gardening, and English garden history
Alan Titchmarsh has written a fascinating book full of insightful observations and little-known facts about gardening tools, people, and plants. Along the way we discover how English gardening was influenced by the choices and preferences of the Kings and Queens of England, and by the trends that came over from Italy, France, and Holland. As time went on, England finally developed its own distinct style - a style that we still admire and emulate today.
Highly recommended for those who are interested in English gardening, and English garden history
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Royal Gardeners
17 Feb 2007
Format:Hardcover
Alan Titchmarsh is an outstanding gardener, he has so much knowledge about gardens and landscaping. Excellent book, with all the beautiful illustrations of all the Royal gardens in England.
A good book but rather rushed...
10 Nov 2008
Format:Hardcover
Alan Titchmarsh is an extremely talented, knowledgeable and energetic man.
He has applied these gifts here and the results are enjoyable. However, hold onto your seat as you read because it is a non-stop rush through the history of royal gardens with nary a moment to stop and catch your breath.A rather curious approach to the leisurely pastime of gardening, royal or otherwise.It's a good book and the photographs are lovely, but I'm still overcome by the galloping pace.
He has applied these gifts here and the results are enjoyable. However, hold onto your seat as you read because it is a non-stop rush through the history of royal gardens with nary a moment to stop and catch your breath.A rather curious approach to the leisurely pastime of gardening, royal or otherwise.It's a good book and the photographs are lovely, but I'm still overcome by the galloping pace.
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
- Books > Art, Architecture & Photography > Architecture > Types of Architecture > Landscape
- Books > History > Britain & Ireland
- Books > Home & Garden > Gardening > Design & Planning
- Books > Home & Garden > Gardening > Encyclopedias > Royal Horticultural Society
- Books > Home & Garden > Interior Design & Decoration
- Books > Science & Nature > Food & Farming > Horticulture
- Books > Scientific, Technical & Medical > Agriculture & Farming > Horticulture
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
