A lushly illustrated survey of 500 landscape architects and designers worldwide presents an unrivalled range of gardens, from the oases of ancient Persia to the classical gardens of Europe and the contemporary sculptured landscapes of the United States. The designers are each represented by a full-page illustration of their most significant garden, public or private. Each page includes meticulous cross-references to other designers working in a similar style, movement or time period, as well as biographical information about the designer. Even long-vanished wonders, such as the mythical gardens of Babylon, are illustrated by artists’ impressions and engravings. Written in an accessible way, the text explains the role of each chosen figure in the development of the garden, as well as the important changes to the garden over time. The Garden Book contains an essential glossary and directory of gardens around the world that are open to the public.