The American Lawn

The lawn occupies a central, and often unconsidered, place in America's cultural landscape. In spaces as diverse as city parks, town squares and suburban backyards, it has played a part in the development of America's national identity. This text examines the lawn within its historical, artistic, literary and political contexts, situating it on the boundary between utopian ideal and dystopian nightmare. Topics covered range from European precedents to the golf course fairway as a model for today's flawless suburban lawn. Illustrations and references are drawn from film and television, horticultural and architectural publications, gardening tools, corporate literature and the fine arts.