Product Description

Derek Jarman created his own garden in the flat, bleak expanse of shingle that faces the nuclear power station in Dungeness, Kent. A passionate gardener from childhood, he combined his painter's eye, his horticultural expertise and his ecological convictions to produce a landscape which mixed the flint, shells and driftwood of Dungeness; sculptures made from stones; the area's indigenous plants; and shrubs and flowers introduced by Jarman himself. This book, the last he ever wrote, is his own record of how this garden evolved, from its beginnings in 1985 to the day of his death in 1994.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #125480 in Books
• Published on: 1995-06-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

Review
`The publishing house has rarely put a foot wrong in its 60-year history' --GQ

Review
`You will refer back to these precious books again and again'

Customer Reviews

A visual classic
I found this book in the wrong section of a bookshop in Borders Bluewater whilst looking for a italian cookbook. If I hadn't seen it in with the receipe books I am quite sure I would have never picked it up and then I would not have known what I was missing.

I am into photography, and whilst I knew of Derek Jarman's garden through articles in magazines none of those articles or photos come anywhere near to bringing out the beauty of the place as the contenets of this book does. Its well palled and beautiful.

The photography is first class and this not only compliments Derek Jarmans diary pieces , it brings the book alive.

I did enjoy the prose also and you get a real feel for Derek Jarmans way of life up to his untimely death.

A nice book and highly recommended.

spare beauty found in a book
Derek Jarman, the filmmaker and sometime Artist, was a prolific creator of things rich and strange: a prime example of which is his garden. This was, arguably, his most important work. A thing that acted as a moving testament to both his æsthetic and human beliefs - a spare beauty is found in his garden, nestled in the single of Dungeness.

This book manages to capture the essential and luminous aspects of this garden through the poetry and prose of Jarman himself, and Howard Sooley's ravishing photographs. This is a definite "must" for anyone wishing to know more about Derek Jarman...

A glimpse of Derek Jarmans Vision
Derek Jarman, british film-maker, artist and activist, found solace in his garden in Dungeness during his final years and this book reflects that passion. It offers a striking view on his thoughts and ideas through the lense of the love and care that he spent of encouraging this oasis on the Kent coast. Mixed with Howard Sooleys powerful photos this book raises itself beyond the usual 'coffee-table' book to something that will be cherished for years to come.