Andrew Jackson Downing (1815 1852), a much-sought-after designer, influential writer, and editor of The Horticulturist, was an internationally known shaper of opinion. Robert Twombly has selected thirty-three essays on Architecture and Building, Landscape Gardening, Parks and Other Public Places, Village Beautification, Horticulture, and Agricultural Education, and provides an introduction to Downing s life and work and suggestions for further reading."