Capability Brown: An Illustrated Life of Lancelot Brown 1716-1783: 33 (Lifelines Series) - Softcover

'Genius', 'master', 'pre-eminent' - these are the terms used by experts to describes Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, the eighteenth century landscape designer who wrought a garden revolution in England. A nation-wide reaction to the existing geometric gardens of the French school brought various experiments in change. On an enormous scsale Brown transformed the English countryside with the gentle serenity of his 'picturesque landscapes' and persuaded much of Europe, also, to imitate his parklands. It is said that the landscape garden has proved a unique English art form and Lancelot Brown an extraordinary exponent. The tale of the garen boy who rose to fame, riches and friendship of the king is remarkable in itself. And, in this conservation-conscious age, his emphasis on 'natural' gardens, his tree-planting and 'improvement' of well over a hundred properties must surely strike a sympathetic cord.

Joan Clifford is a full-time author with varied interests, specialising as a biographer. She is a past Chairman of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.