Nature Perfected

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The gardens of the world's great civilizations are explored through vivid color plates and engaging text, presenting a groundbreaking international history of gardening as an art form. Beginning with ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the book uncovers gardening's roots through art, history, and literature, alongside archaeological findings. It extends to later Islamic and Mughal civilizations, Italy, France, China, Japan, and the gardens of England, ultimately reaching the New World. The narrative is structured around the international exchange of aesthetic ideas and the cultivation of plant life, progressing both chronologically and geographically. Each chapter highlights significant design and horticultural contributions from various societies. Unlike other garden histories, this work provides a comprehensive scope, supported by the author's extensive knowledge of literature, art, and gardening. A notable section discusses the impact of the 1492 discovery of new continents, leading to a fresh chapter in science and garden culture in the Western Hemisphere. The author traces the evolution of colonial American gardens and the efforts to reconstruct them, showcasing the achievements of New World gardeners, including those from South America and Mexico. Gardening has long been a symbol of civilization and cultural expression. The text reflects on the human connection to nature, emphasizing the spiritual significance of crops li