Bearing testament to the rich heritage of some of Italy’s greatest gardens in the golden age before World War I, this stunning compilation is a pictorial preservation of these magnificent Renaissance and Baroque gardens from 1903 onwards. Presented in intricate detail, these exceptional photographs of aristocratic gardens—fallen into a state of picturesque decrepitude as a result of the political turmoil that overtook Italy in the 19th century—highlight the elaborate architecture, statuary, and ingenious waterworks favored by Renaissance architects, and are brilliantly captured in all their faded magnificence. Accompanied by incisive commentary by a leading authority on garden history, this beautiful historical photographic documentation is an essential resource for garden, architecture, and history enthusiasts alike.