Most Beautiful Gardens in the World »

Photographer Le Toquin spent three years traveling to 16 countries to create images of extraordinary gardens, among them: an Iranian walled garden—a startling contrast of controlled trees in a desolate plain surrounded by crags; a Moroccan enclave—preserving historical palms and buildings together; irises and water lilies irrationally waiting for Monet's return to Giverny; massive stones with Latin letters inscribed waiting for reassembly by some massive hand in Little Sparta. In this oversize volume (11.5x11.5") the photos are presented full page, or bigger, accompanied by historical and descriptive narrative. The gardens, which defy narrow definitions, are located in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Russia, the US, Asia and New Zealand. The book was first published in French (2004: Editions de La Martinière, Paris). Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR