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The Pursuit of Paradise: A Social History of Gardens and Gardening

By (author) Jane Brown

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This book will provide a new perspective on the way we garden, why we garden and what it means for us. Full of fascinating characters and vignettes â€“ from ancient Greeks to suffragettes, from eccentric military men to Catholics in hiding from persecution â€“ The Pursuit of Paradise looks into how societyâ€™s changes have altered our views of gardening, who does it, and how we do it. What drives people to risk their lives in search of a rare Himalayan flower? Why are so many gardeners homosexual? How did gardening become a respectable career for women? When did looking at other peopleâ€™s gardens become a national British pastime? Using particular gardens to lead into themes like power, refuge, female emancipation, distribution of wealth and fashion, Jane Brown presents a history of the nation through its most popular national pursuit. It will be essential reading for the horticulturally impassioned for years to come.