A Short History of Gardens

Gordon Campbell is Professor of Renaissance Studies at the University of Leicester, and is a Fellow of the British Academy. In January 2012 he was presented with the Longman History Today Trustees Award (for lifetime contribution to history). He has authored and edited many books for OUP including The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (2003); Renaissance Art and Architecture (2004); John Milton: Life, Work and Thought (2008; co-author); Bible: the Story of the King James Version, 1611-2011 (2010); and The Hermit in the Garden: from Imperial Rome to Ornamental Gnome (2013).

A clear and comprehensively written account of the history of gardens. The result couldnt be more refreshing. [...] From parks and fruit and vegetable gardens to ornamental and formal gardens, he provides a concise and easily readable narrative of their evolution. The result, although described as short, is absolutely perfect, providing an overview of garden history that is succinct, comprehensive and readable.

• Introduction 1: The Ancient and Medieval Garden 2: The Islamic Garden 3: The East Asian Garden 4: Italy 5: France 6: Spain and Portugal 7: Northern Europe 8: Britain 9: America, Africa, and Australia Postscript: The Future History of the Garden Glossary Further Reading Index