An absolutely lusciously photographed coffee table book. This hefty tome is arranged by state, and covers just a small fraction of the Olmsted projects throughout the United States and Canada. It shows original Olmsted blueprints and plans, along with early and current photographs. Each project is given a brief description, the historical context, and the present day scenario. It's amazing to see that Olmsted was involved in so many different projects -- parks, landscapes, planned communities, individual private gardens, colleges/universities, and parkway drives. The extent of his impact on landscape gardening is immense and unparalleled! Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advance reader copy. That was enough to spark me actually obtaining the book after it was published.

Few could argue the importance of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. in the field of landscape architecture. This book is a guide to those who want to experience the work of him and his firm across North America. I think the key word in the title is "Experience," as it is truly about the entire experience, not just "viewing" or "visiting." Organized by state (and also including 3 sites in Canada), each entry gives a brief summary of the history of the site and includes both the original plan (when available) and photos. The entries will really just whet the appetite, as they are not very substantial. While I realize it was a huge undertaking given the number of properties, I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of details about each site. In particular, it would be nice to have more emphasis on what makes a particular site a good example of the Olmsted style, as well as more photos. In some cases, the single photo chosen for inclusion does not do the site justice.

Thank you NetGalley and Timber Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Sadly, I did not know of Olmsted or all that we have to be thankful for because of him. Lots of information but would also make a great coffee table state-by-state book.

This is a fantastic book on the landscape design work of Frederick Law Olmsted. I had no idea the extent of his work and influence. The book organizes Olmstead's projects by location with projects spanning more than 1/2 of the United States and Canada, and are illustrated with photos and maps from the past and present. The book closes with short bibliographies of Olmstead's contemporaries who helped create the remarkable green spaces we continue to enjoy today. I was left with a sense of gratitude and awe at the scope, longevity and generosity of their vision and talents. I will definitely be purchasing this book for easy access on my coffee table.

Thank you very much Timber Press and #NetGalley for the ARC e-copy of #Experiencing Olmstead

I first heard of Frederick Law Olmsted while reading The Devil in the White City almost twenty years ago. I learned that he was the landscape architect for New York’s Central Park and helped design the grounds for the World’s Fair in Chicago. With this book I’ve come to understand the influence of his designs and work in landscape architecture across United States and Canada. The book is section by states plus Canada describing parks, neighborhoods, universities, state and national parks which his firm is responsible for designing grounds. I was astounded at how many I have personally visited without realizing his influence. Essentially much of the Mall, White House, Capital Grounds and Memorials in Washington DC were designed by Olmsted. Whole state park systems in California and Colorado were planned by him. Universities, museums, city parks in many states carry his influence. I had no idea that my own state capitol grounds in Utah are his designs.

The book is informative and contains many beautiful photos. I truly learned from this book and also added a few places I want to visit after reading descriptions and seeing the photos. This would be welcomed addition to any library for its historical information and photography. I’m very happy to have read it. Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press and the authors for a temporary eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Frederick Law Olmsted has always held a special place in my heart because my aunts would come down to visit and want to go to Biltmore House. No matter the season or how many times I visit, the grounds, gardens, and surrounding woodlands never cease to leave me in awe. My favorite green spaces in the U.S. are all either Olmsted or Olmsted Firm designs.
I have no doubt this title will be a lovely coffee table book but it can also serve as a state-by-state travel guide to the Olmsted Firm's many projects. Entries feature maps, sketches, and photographs as well as brief but detailed descriptions of the planning and intention behind each project as well as those involved in the process. In addition to the geographic guide, the book includes biographical sketches of key members of the Olmsted Firms as well as an index and bibliography.