Vintage 1977 ‘The Pleasure Garden’ by Anne Scott-James & Osbert Lancaster

The Pleasure Garden: An Illustrated History of British Gardening by Anne Scott-James and Osbert Lancaster, published by John Murray in 1977.

A wonderfully illustrated wander through the history of the British garden, from Roman Britain and monastic gardens through grand French and Dutch influences, cottage and parsonage gardens, right through to the suburban garden. The pages are filled with Osbert Lancaster’s charming, incredibly detailed illustrations - I especially love the little glimpses of everyday life tucked amongst the gardens.

And what a cover! Beneath the illustrated dust jacket is the most gorgeous green cloth binding, finished with a tiny gilt garden scene of a wheelbarrow, tools and birds.

A really lovely vintage book for gardeners and garden dreamers alike, and one that is just as beautiful left out on a coffee table as it is to sit and read.