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In her introduction to this new edition, the gardener, writer, illustrator, and craftsperson Tasha Tudor explores the space Celia Thaxter made for herself on one of the Isles of Shoals and the place her gentle, commonsense journal has held in the hearts of gardeners and artists for over a hundred years. A popular poet in her day, Thaxter is best remembered for An Island Garden, originally published by Houghton Mifflin in 1894. The book chronicles a year in the life of Thaxter's garden on the island her father had purchased in 1848 and renamed Appledore Island. The hotel he built there was among New England's first offshore summer resorts and attracted writers, musicians, and artists, including the American Impressionist Childe Hassam, whose beautiful paintings of Thaxter's house and garden are reproduced in this book.
Considered one of the most delightful examples of horticultural writing, An Island Garden has served as an inspiration for essayists and gardeners alike since its first publication. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
I stumbled upon this book on a clearance rack, and am glad I did. I found myself smiling often at the beautiful, detailed descriptions of the island, the garden and the individual flowers. Celia Thaxter paints a pretty picture of life in her garden. Written over a hundred years ago, gardeners will still relate to the trials and tribulations, as well as rewards, of tending a garden. Not a reference book, but a charming story to read by a winter's fire, waiting for spring.
I had wanted to read this book for several years, but could never find it in the book store. I finally ordered it online. I thought the art work was outstanding and the book charming, though at times slow reading. Celia Thaxter writes of her garden on the Isles of Shoals, off the coast of New Hampshire during the late 1800's. I'm pleased I read this book, but doubt I'll refer to it again except to look at the art.
