Nature Over Again
John Dixon Hunt
Though Ian Hamilton Finlay’s (1925-2006) work Little Sparta is, according to Sir Roy Strong, 'the most important garden made in Britain since 1945’, his influence - and work - is found worldwide. Nature Over Again reveals the story behind the majority of Finlay’s renowned garden installations, and is the first study to examine his garden designs and 'interventions’ in a consequential way.
An accomplished Scottish poet, writer, artist and gardener, Finlay infused his garden designs with a distinct aesthetic philosophy and poetic sensibility. John Dixon Hunt situates his analysis of Finlay's gardens in the context of that broader philosophy and poetic work, drawing on Finlay’s books, prints and other written reflections about the art and practice of garden design. From the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart to the Serpentine Gallery in London to the University of California at San Diego campus, the book documents how Finlay built an oeuvre of international renown, and ultimately argues that Finlay’s innovations are best understood in the context of the long tradition of European gardens.
Copiously illustrated, Nature Over Again brings the work of this distinguished Modernist to vivid life, making it an essential read for horticulturists, landscape designers and historians alike.
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About John Dixon Hunt
Reviews for Nature Over Again
Time Out
In Nature Over Again, University of Pennsylvania professor John Dixon Hunt is an expert guide to the complexities of Little Sparta and Finlays other major works - most notably his evocative Fleur de lAir garden in Provence. Whether discussing a bird table in the shape of an aircraft carrier, a gilded head of Apollo or a row of guillotines, Dixon Hunt illuminates Finlay's intentions and shows that "meaning" and pleasure are not at odds . . . an incisive book.
ArchitectsJournal
This stimulating read is aimed at landscape designers, historians and horticulturalists . . . The discussion places Finlays philosophical and poetic approach within a long tradition of creative garden making in Europe . . . Its a breath of fresh air after all the glossy photographic books on gardens in which text appears secondary and fails to say something new.
Garden Design Journal
This well-illustrated and enjoyable essay is a welcome addition to the literature on Ian Hamilton Finlay, and is the first significant publication about his work since his death in 2006 . . . by drawing attention to a great many of the issues with which Finlay engaged in his intellectually exploratory art of gardens - also helps to create agendas for further thinking about his work.
Edinburgh Review
It was with pleasurable anticipation and a long-established interest in all things to do with gardens, that I read Nature Over Again. I wasnt disappointed . . . This will be a welcome addition to many garden lovers bookshelves and is the first book to cover all of Ian Hamilton Finlays garden designs.
Scots magazine