- Hardcover: 319 pages
- Publisher: Fourth Estate; First Edition edition (7 July 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007143532
- ISBN-13: 978-0007143535
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.6 x 3.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 639,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
‘A superb biography … Colquhoun's elegantly illustrated, admirably succinct biography is written with true Paxtonian verve. Praise comes no higher.'John Carey, Sunday Times
'Colquhoun's picture is affectionate, thorough and compulsively readable.' Observer
'This is the book everyone will be giving for Christmas. Kate Colquhoun should have a bestseller on her hands.' Cressida Connolly, Saturday Telegraph
'Kate Colquhoun has written an exemplary life of this important and attractive personality. Hopefully this is the first of many.' Aileen Reid, Sunday Telegraph
Observer
'Colquhoun's picture is affectionate, thorough and compulsively readable.'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am not a horticulturist and had the book bought for me as a Christmas present from a brother. I am however from the Crystal Palace area, my parents saw the Palace fire from their home and I am a fan of the football team (stamped on my forehead at birth!).
The book is a delight and is an excellent insight to the Victorian era and most particularly the Victorian entrenpreneurs as in essence that is exactly what Paxton was with his publishing, public park design company, financial investments into new fangled railway lines, and his self promotion.
Further the details on Chatsworth and his relationship with the Duke of Devonshire were both detailed and again of great interest regarding the Victorian psyche of master and servant (and also how each treated thier womenfolk!). It is interesting to note Paxton had a son who went off the rails with debauchery and drink (plus ca change!).
Highly commended to horticultursts and those interested in social history and most importantly to those who just like a good read.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I wanted this book because I'm a trainee garden designer but also because it holds local interest for me as I spend a lot of time in Crystal Palace - and Joseph Paxton designed the original Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. I have to confess I found the first chapter or so a little tough - I didn't feel that the facts and dates gelled properly but after that I became throughly addicted. if your training in the horticultural sector this is a must - it's written so well that it's a delight and it makes a (perhaps for some) dry subject jump out of the page. I recommend this title
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of those rare but exciting biographies that reads like a novel and is gripping all the way through. Kate Colquhoun really knows her material and the diversions always add to the story.
Faults are that it reads like hagiography at times and even by Victorian standards Paxton treated his family appallingly and reaped what he sowed in his wayward son.
But for the story of the design of the Crystal Palace and the foundations of modern horticulture, this can't be beaten.
Faults are that it reads like hagiography at times and even by Victorian standards Paxton treated his family appallingly and reaped what he sowed in his wayward son.
But for the story of the design of the Crystal Palace and the foundations of modern horticulture, this can't be beaten.
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