The Gardens of the Vatican

Kooluris Dobbs, Linda; Dobbs, Kildare

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0711229708 ISBN 13: 9780711229709

Publisher: Frances Lincoln, 2009

Twenty-seven years in the making, The Gardens of the Vatican is a private photographic tour of eight centuries of 'green thoughts in a green shade'. The several gardens in the Vatican territory reflect the history of gardens in general. In addition to the Persian-influenced quadrant gardens of the Teuton Cemetery and the Secret garden, adorned with lemon-trees in pots, there are gardens in the Italian, French and English styles.
The book is rich in anecdote and detail: Pope John XXIII liked to ramble along the pathways and chat with the gardeners. His predecessor Pius XII wanted solitude, so the gardeners were obliged to hide. There is a fragment of the Berlin Wall, a Chinese pavilion given by the Catholics of that country, and a gnarled old olive tree transplanted from Gethsemane in the Holy Land.
The Gardens of the Vatican offers a fascinating and inspiring glimpse of a bachelor's refuge, through eight centuries of history.

Product Description:

Behind the high walls of the Vatican, beautifully kept gardens offer the Pope a tranquil refuge, fragrant with sweet herbs and cooled by shade trees and fountains. Linda Kooluris Dobbs's photographs give us access to these normally hidden lawns and avenues, grottoes and parterres, with their fine statuary and fountains, and their imposing backdrop - the buildings of the Vatican and the dome of St Peter's. Kildare Dobbs's introductory essay accompanies this collection of over 140 photographs.

Review:

A work of staggering vision and dedication, 27 years in the making, which gives a rare, fascinating and inspiring glimpse of the Vatican's grand gardens. Bookseller Kildare Dobbs's rich narrative at the beginning of the book prepares the reader for the visual delights which follow... The shrines, mementoes of spiritual events, statues, fountains and buildings commissioned by various Popes through the centuries, shine through Linda Kooluris Dobbs photographs and serve to give us avery distinctive and personal insight into one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Reckless Gardener The atmospheric photographs unfold like a private tour of the grounds. Amateur Gardening This magnificent book is a fascinating and inspiring glimpse of the Holy Fathers' refuge through eight centuries of history. Linda's beautiful photographs provide a private photographic tour of "green thoughts in a green shade." Universe To discuss all the aspects of the Gardens here would demand too much space, but the author has done her subject proud in this book in presenting them all in a collection of essays and excellent photographs, including all the administrative buildings. Catholic Herald A poetic contemplation on garden history... Most of the book is taken up with photographs by Linda Koolaris Dobbs, who uses many imaginative angles and techniques to describe every corner of the gardens. Historic Gardens Review When in Rome, though too big for your hand luggage, you might find Gardens of the Vatican an appropriate primer. Oldie Linda Kooluris Dobbs uses her lenses, and many imaginative angles and techniques to describe every corner of the gardens. Mediterranean Garden