Roderick Flouds groundbreaking study of the history money places and personalities involved in British gardens over the past 350 years gives fascinating insight into why gardening is part of this countrys soul. Michael Heseltine Deputy Prime Minister 19961997Thousands of books have been written about the history of British gardens but Roderick Floud one of Britains most distinguished economic historians asks new and important questions how much did gardens cost to build and maintain and where did the money come from Superbly researched it is full of information which will surprise both economists and gardeners. The book is fun as well as edifying Floud shows us gardens grand and humble and introduces us gardeners plantsmen and technologies in wonderful varieties.