Subtitled A Gardener's Education, this book really deserves to be considered a modern classic in the field of gardening and environmental thinking. It's a beautifully written and engaging look at gardening, taking in the definition of gardens, their history and culture, the importance of the lawn to the North American identity, gardening philosophy and the social insights given by seed catalogues. It is also thought provoking about the relationship of the gardener with the wider natural world and the place of humankind within nature.
You can read a longer review of this book, written by Andrea, over on Heavy Petals, here.
Second Nature by Michael Pollan, Bloomsbury Paperbacks 1996
I am intrigued how you came by this unusual book!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great booK! I'll have to add it to my loooong list of "to read' books :)
ReplyDeleteJust in time for gardening season. We are looking at starting here, with a impending mandatory water ration BF, bless his heart, is already implementing ways to save every single drop of water for the garden. Rabbit water has for years gone to watering house plants, so the Spots feels very water thrifty in advance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that - I have made a note of the title - by the way - what is the blossom on your header - is it really that glorious yellow?
ReplyDeleteCoastcard - second hand shop just like most of my other books!
ReplyDeleteGreenie - it is great!
D.Moll - good for the buns!
Weaver - its Norway Maple and yes it is really that yellow!
I read your review -- sounds like a fascinating book. I wonder if you would like to contribute the review to my book blog :
ReplyDeletewww.bibliosbookreviews.blogspot.com ? If so, why not drop me a line at louise[at]carminesuperiore[dot]it
Best, Louise
So many books, so little time ...
ReplyDeletepretty header pic!
I bought this one in December and haven't had a chance to read it yet. I'm really looking forward to it though, I love reading Michael Pollan's books.
ReplyDeleteHey there! Thanks for your kind comments on my poem. Out of sheer curiousity, what dances do you dance? :)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a very good thought-provoking book, and so is the one about architecture "A Place of My Own". I haven't seen his most recent one, about food, but it looks very much to the point just now.
ReplyDelete