Kyoto Gardens

April 1, 2015

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is steeped in history. It is known as the center of Japanese culture and Buddhism and for its colorful shrines and gardens. Clancy, who has lived in the country for the past 40 years, profiles 30 gardens, presented in sections on central/eastern, northern, western, and southern Kyoto. The gardens, created by Japanese nobility as a way to display their wealth and power, originated the art of Japanese garden design, one of the world's most popular and respected gardening styles. Each location is given four pages, which include a narrative about the history of the garden and how it remains faithful to its designer's creative spirit. Simmons's lovely color photographs capture perfectly the tranquility of the spaces. In addition to maps and a bibliography, the title includes a garden glossary and a "Time Period" key. VERDICT A beautiful book that will appeal to gardeners, armchair travelers, or readers interested in Japanese history and culture.--Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence

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