America's Eden: Newport Landscapes through the Ages

In 1789, Jedidiah Morse described Newport and its environs as the “Eden of America” in the First Geography of the United States. America’s Eden: Newport Landscapes through the Ages builds on this legendary image of a centuries-old paradise, and establishes Newport as a cultural landscape of national significance.

The comprehensive history from European settlement to the present day is illustrated by a treasure trove of rare period maps, paintings and photographs by prominent artists, and drawings and sketches by leading designers. The book serves as a critical resource guide encompassing landscape architecture, fine art, tree and plant propagation, and the conservation of natural sites. A rich story of art, design and horticulture awaits readers among the gardens, gazebos and trees of Newport.

About the Author:

John R. Tschirch is an award winning architectural historian whose trekking to landmarks around the globe has inspired his work as a historical fiction writer, blogger and photographer. He received his M.A. (1986) in Architectural History and Historic Preservation from the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia. His thirty year career in the preservation and study of historic landmarks across the globe brought him on treks to French chateaux, English castles, Italian villas, Austrian palaces, Croatian fortresses, Argentinian mansions and the Gilded Age houses of America. His motto… “every place has a tale to tell.”