To Live in the New World: A. J. Downing and American Landscape Gardening

About this book

A. J. Downing (1815-1852) wrote the first American treatise on landscape gardening. As editor of the Horticulturist and the countrys leading practitioner and author he promoted a national style of landscape gardening that broke away from European precedents and standards. Like other writers and artists Downing responded to the intensifying demand in the nineteenth century for a recognizably American cultural expression. To Live in the New World examines in detail Downings growing conviction that landscape gardening must be adapted to the American people and the nations indigenous landscapes. Despite significant changes in its three editions Downings ATreatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening remained true to the original intent: to guide country gentlemen -- with enough money time and taste -- in the creation of ideal homes and pleasure grounds. While most historians and critics have focused on Downings more formally written treatise Judith Major gives equal emphasis to Downings spirited monthly editorials in the Horticulturist. In the journal Downing "spoke American" and encouraged his countrymen and women to practice economy to use Americas rich natural resources wisely yet artfully to be content with a little cottage and a few fine native trees. Although the book is not a biography the people events and experiences that shaped Downings thinking on landscape gardening are central to the story. Significantly Downing spent his life in the spectacular natural setting of the Hudson River valley. Through his professional practice travels reading and extensive correspondence he gradually became aware of the individual and collective needs that he served. Landscape gardening Downing came to feel had to respect not only a clients desires and means but also the nations republican values of moderation simplicity and civic responsibility. Major takes a fresh look at the influence on Downings theory and practice of British writers such as Archibald Alison Uvedale Price Humphry Repton John Claudius Loudon and John Ruskin and analyzes for the first time his debt to the French academician A. C. Quatremre de Quincys Essay on Imitation.