The Japanese Garden

I bought this book since I have an absolute fascination and love of Japanese gardens. Having a yard with enough space to have several different types of gardens, I bought this book. It’s worth every penny of whatever price you’re paying for it. Sophie Walker does an excellent job of comprehensively describing the six types of Japanese gardens, there are stream, pond, dry, tea, stroll and courtyard. Beautiful, abundant pictures are throughput the book. The text flows nicely and I read this book cover to cover in a few days. The history is covered of how Japanese gardens evolved, with Chinese influence, Buddha, Shinto, Zen meanings within the gardens, etc, and it’s all fascinating. I do not recommend simply looking at the pictures for inspiration since there is layered meaning within how the garden is laid out, and what you see. The Japanese even have a word for it, mitate. What I did, is borrow from several garden styles, and incorporate them in one area, and then plan several distinct areas for separate gardens in other areas of my property. This book, no mater what size your yard, will inspire you to have Japanese elements somewhere for a garden, no mater how small or large. In my opinion, the Japanese are the truly best artisans in whatever they do, and after reading this book, I’m more convinced in that perspective. They generally seem to approach whatever they do with a Zen focus of precision and reverence, which culminates in a beautiful mysticism. Any of these various garden styles end up being ethereal art. This book really shows you don’t need to pack too much into your garden, if you’re buying it for ideas to make your own Japanese style garden. I have many books on Japanese gardens. This has been the most informative and helpful.

This book has many dimensions to offer. The photographs are breathtaking and thoughtful towards a full perspective. The philosophy contained in this book can accelerate one's view of a novel representation. Anyone engaging in a landscape activity be it biodynamic, productive, or recreational will fully appreciate the systems articulated within. There is a high potential for cultivating a better unit for the future in our collective garden we consider our community. The Japanese garden will pave better greenways for the betterments of our travels and cross-communication utilitarianly. Thanks for the guidance-----Cornmike the Undeserved

Sophie Walker's written word is a wonder! Pay attention to each nuance and adjective ... she is clearly thinking at a level above that of most of us. Travelling to Japan without perusing "The Japanese Garden," would be a waste. This book opened my eyes to the intricacies and messages to be found in the gardens of Japan (even by a novice tourist!) I need to go back to elevate my understanding and this book will lead the way. It' s amazing. I am reading it for the fourth time and still find it interesting.

This is a spectacular book on Japanese gardens. I’m a gardener, interested in philosophy. This book is an inspirational vision of what Japanese gardens are all about. Contemplative and awe-filled images. I have several books on Japanese Gardens, but this is by far, the best.

I bought this primarily for references and photos - it's a very nicely designed book - the photos are gorgeous although I have mixed feelings on the matte/washed presentation - also surprised that this art/photo book has all the photo references crammed into a hurried half-page reference on the very last page of the index, and it's organized by photographer/contributor, not by page. I mean it is a nicely researched and written book but the photos are really the heart of the book and they seem to simply be licensed from various photographers who aren't even credited on the pages that their photos are presented on...Simply having their name on the reference per photo would have given the right level of credit to the photographers and made it easier to seek out their work.

Nothing is more beautiful than a Japanese garden

This is an absolutely gorgeous book, both the book itself and the pictures inside. Every photo has a description of the garden, the period in which it was created, and its location. There are sections explaining important concepts of Japanese gardens which are insightful. Just note that this is not a book on how to design a Japanese garden, so if you’re looking for a DIY book this is not it.

Both austere and beautiful, this scholarly book is filled with data on Japanese history and Esthetics that will satisfy the readership for a long time. A reference manual written with dedicated love and expert knowledge on the subject.