Product Description

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) designed America's most beloved parks and landscapes of the past century--New York's Central Park, Brooklyn's Prospect Park, the U.S. Capitol grounds, the Biltmore Estate, and many others. From the authors and photographer of the definitive book on Olmsted comes this condensed edition presenting the breadth of Olmsted's work in expansive, beautiful color photographs. The engaging text illuminates Olmsted's role as an indefatigable social resource.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #460105 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-27
• Released on: 2005-09-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

About the Author
Charles Beveridge is Series Editor of the Olmsted Papers, published by The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Paul Rocheleau is the principal photographer of Universe's Frank Lloyd Wright: Master Builder.

David Larkin, renowned editor and book designer, is the author of several books, including Universe's Frank Lloyd Wright: Master Builder, The Essential Book of Barns, and The Essential Book of Shaker.

Customer Reviews

The Man Behind Many of Our Treasured Parks
Frederick Law Olmstead (1822 - 1903) ranks among the most important landscape architects of his time, and indeed of history. His most famous accomplishment was his design and execution of the multifaceted magnificence of New York City's Central Park, presented here in this fine book with many of the details that today go unnoticed.

Charles Beveridge has written extensively about Olmstead but here his knowledge of Olmstead's genius is enhanced by numerous drawings and maps of layout as well as the beautiful photography by Paul Rocheleau. The entire volume is edited and designed by David Larkin in a manner that not only brings out the scholarly aspects of this book but lays out the various areas in both Central Park and in some of the other Olmstead works (Brooklyn's Prospect Park, the U.S. Capitol grounds, the Biltmore Estate among others) in a fashion that makes this a true art book.

There may be many reasons to place this book in the library, but one that is certain to appeal to everyone is the importance of the myriad details of the great Central Park presented here with more majesty than in any other volume. Recommended. Grady Harp, May 06

great stuff
I have been a great fan of Olmstead's design and outlook. This book provides a wonderful overview of his style, his vision and his ideas about how to create beauty out of the natural enivironment. Architects will benefit from his approach to design and construction and his ideas should be a model for those of us new to the field.

Beautifully photographed
This book is beautifully photographed and shows a range of Olmsted's work, from Central Park and other parks, to Biltmore and other homes. It even includes photos of Olmsteds own garden. Highly recommended!