Capability Brown and the Eighteenth Century English Landscape

Book excerpt: Turner, landscape architect and writer, begins with a good introduction of 18th-century England and its gardens. He follows with a biographical account of Lancelot "Capability'' Brown and his many contributions to landscape design, including the creation of numerous parks for the English nobility. In particular, 15 of Brown's landscapes (e.g., Blenheim) are covered in detail, with illustrations ranging from original plans to photographs of the maturation of the gardens. Turner describes the grooming of nature, the plants used, and the practical and technical aspects of the work that created the natural landscapes that have made Brown immortal. A handsome and well-written book, highly recommended for subject collections. Daniel S. Kalk, Enfield Central Lib., Ct. -Library Journal.