In this gorgeous 240-page photography book, author, editor, and researcher Yolanda Zappaterra surveys sacred gardens from around the world. There’s an informative introduction in which Zappaterra discusses how she selected which gardens to include. Each of 40 gardens then gets several pages of informative text as well as several photographs showing the unique beauty of the site. The book concludes with a thorough index and picture credits.

This book was everything I hoped it would be. I loved the diversity of the featured gardens, most of which I was previously unfamiliar with. The photographs were beautiful and conveyed the mood of each garden, while the text described the development, history, and features that make each site special. I really appreciated the balance of text and photographs; other books I’ve read on gardens have typically focused too much on one or the other.

This is likely to appeal to anyone with an interest in garden design. It would also make a fantastic gift for armchair travelers to learn about different types of sacred gardens around the world. For the more adventurous, this book may inspire travel plans or flesh out your list of sights to see. I certainly found myself wanting to experience some of these gardens in person.

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion and Frances Lincoln for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

This book is beautifully illustrated, and it provides a number of places I was totally unfamiliar with but would love to visit. Most of the places unfortunately I will be able to visit only through this book or in my imagination.

A wonderful collection of photography! I absolutely loved every photo and the descriptions alongside were very informative. I think my favorite were photos of the Asian gardens, though the French and Middle Eastern ones were beautiful as well. It's my dream to one day have a fancy garden like in this book, but for now I'll just have to keep looking and dreaming!

Gorgeously photogrphed and inspiring.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in excahnge for an honest review.

This is a book to get and share for the pictures! Some of them were so beautiful that I found myself going backward after I thought I was ready to move on. One thing that really surprised me was how close some of these gorgeous gardens are, and I definitely need to plan some road trips. It's hard to believe that such beauty exists in some of the big cities because they look like a real slice of heaven on earth. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

The pictures in this book are gorgeous and represent a nice variety of gardens around the world. I think this would make an eye-catching coffee table book and wonderful travel inspiration.

However!

I was mostly interested in checking this out to see if the Baha'i Gardens in Haifa were included, since I'm a member of the Baha'i Faith and it's not well known to most. To my delight, they were! However, the written section about the gardens had an introduction to the Baha'i Faith which was full of incorrect information. She didn't even manage to name the Founder of the Faith correctly, which is something a simple Google search could have provided. I'm not sure where she got her information from or who fact-checked this book, but I was very unimpressed and disappointed to see this. I obviously can't speak to the written sections about any of the other gardens in the book but I hesitate to trust that the information is true.

This would have been an easy five stars but I just don't understand how something so easily verified would be published incorrectly.

5 stars for variety and photos // 2 stars for research and information

Earthly Utopias sets out to share examples of our religion, philosophy, and spirituality informs and inspires gardens. It visits cathedrals, monasteries, and ruined abbeys; temples, mausoleums, and shrines; forests, islands, and deserts, in search of these sacred gardens. Traversing the world, each garden included in the book is beautiful in its own way and tells a story. It is the purpose of the garden, the thought behind it, and the way culture reflects it that makes it so interesting.

The visuals are striking, calming, and, at times, poignant. The threads of humanity, nature, and connection weave throughout. Numerous people, individually and through organisations, come together to create, protect and maintain these spaces.

If storytelling through nature appeals to you, this is one to pick up savour! It is highly recommended and five out of five on the enJOYment scale.

Book Review: Earthly Utopias: Sacred Gardens of the World by Yolanda Zappaterra

Rating: 5 Stars

I just finished reading "Earthly Utopias: Sacred Gardens of the World" by Yolanda Zappaterra, and let me tell you—this book is nothing short of STUNNING! From the moment I opened it, I was transported on a breathtaking journey through some of the most magnificent sacred gardens in the world.

Zappaterra takes us from the serene mountains of Kashmir to a beautifully repurposed castle in the west of Ireland, showcasing gardens that are not only visually enchanting but also steeped in rich spiritual significance. Each garden tells its own story, deeply informed by the religious and philosophical teachings that guided its design. Whether it's the tranquil kare-sansui garden at Ryōan-ji, influenced by Zen Buddhism, or the sacred bathing pools of Tirta Gangga in Bali, every location feels like a portal to a different world.

What I love about this book is how it dives into the roots of garden design. It explores elements like labyrinths, grottos, and monastic herb gardens, showing us how these sacred spaces serve as sanctuaries for reflection and enlightenment. It’s refreshing to see the emphasis on gardens created to nourish both body and soul—functional spaces that provide medicine, food, and a connection to something greater than ourselves.

The photography? Oh my goodness! It's absolutely beautiful. Each page is packed with vibrant images that make you feel as if you could step right into these sacred spaces. This is definitely a book that deserves a spot on your coffee table; it’s perfect for sharing with friends or simply flipping through when you need a moment of peace.

Zappaterra also provides background information on each garden, linking them back to their creators and the philosophies behind their structures and purposes. This adds an extra layer of depth, showing how these gardens offer calm and enchantment in a world where so many of us are feeling increasingly detached from nature.

In today's technology-driven lives, where peace can feel hard to come by, "Earthly Utopias" serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty that exists in nature and spirituality. This book is an invitation to reconnect with the earth, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for inspiration, serenity, or simply a visual feast for the eyes. If you’re seeking a way to find solace amid the chaos of modern life, look no further than this gem!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

‘Earthly Utopias: Sacred Gardens of the World’ by Yolanda Zappaterra is a captivating exploration of some of the most serene and spiritually significant gardens across the globe. The book delves into the history, design, and cultural significance of these sacred spaces, offering readers a profound appreciation for the art and philosophy behind garden design. Zappaterra’s work serves as both a visual feast and a thoughtful meditation on the human desire to create earthly paradises.

Accuracy: ★★★★★
Zappaterra’s research is meticulous, providing detailed insights into the origins and meanings of these sacred gardens. The historical and cultural contexts are presented with precision, allowing readers to fully grasp the significance of each garden. The descriptions are accurate and informative, making this book not only a visual delight but also an educational resource.

Perspective: ★★★★★
Zappaterra offers a deeply reflective perspective on the concept of utopias and the role that sacred gardens play in various cultures. She successfully conveys the idea that these gardens are more than just beautiful spaces; they are expressions of spiritual and philosophical ideals. Her thoughtful analysis encourages readers to consider how these gardens reflect humanity’s longing for peace, harmony, and connection with nature.

Relevance: ★★★★☆
While the book focuses on a niche subject, its relevance extends to anyone interested in garden design, spirituality, or cultural history. In an age where people are increasingly seeking ways to reconnect with nature and find inner peace, ‘Earthly Utopias’ offers inspiration and a reminder of the timeless human pursuit of creating sanctuaries of beauty and tranquillity. However, its specialized focus may not appeal to all readers.

Engagement: ★★★★★
The book’s rich imagery and evocative descriptions make it highly engaging. Each garden is brought to life through stunning photography and Zappaterra’s vivid storytelling. The book’s structure, which guides readers through gardens from different cultures and eras, keeps the content fresh and intriguing. It’s easy to get lost in the pages, transported to these earthly paradises.

Readability: ★★★★★
Zappaterra’s writing is clear, eloquent, and accessible. She strikes a perfect balance between providing in-depth information and maintaining a flowing narrative. The book is well-organized, making it easy for readers to navigate through the different sections and absorb the wealth of knowledge presented. The combination of beautiful visuals and engaging text makes it a pleasure to read.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★
For anyone with an interest in gardens, history, or spirituality, ‘Earthly Utopias’ is a deeply enjoyable read. The beauty of the gardens, coupled with the insightful commentary, makes this book a source of inspiration and delight. Zappaterra’s passion for the subject shines through, making it easy for readers to share in her admiration for these sacred spaces.


‘Earthly Utopias: Sacred Gardens of the World’ by Yolanda Zappaterra is a stunning tribute to the world’s most beautiful and meaningful gardens. With its combination of accurate research, insightful perspective, and breathtaking visuals, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in garden design, spiritual spaces, or cultural history. Zappaterra’s work not only celebrates the beauty of these sacred gardens but also invites readers to reflect on the deeper meanings behind these earthly utopias. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of nature, this book is sure to captivate and inspire.

Lots of great photographs to inspire. I feel like I would need to see this in person so say for sure but based on the images this would be a delightful coffee table book.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

A book about gardens should really focus on photography. There are some beautiful photos, but there are also several that are either overly or poorly edited. I would have also liked some of the pictures to be larger. Maybe the photos will be fixed for the final copy, but it just felt distracting in the version I had.

Beautiful gardens! A lovely coffee-table book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beautifully photographed. Makes me want to see all of these places! For those who need a touch of travel without leaving the couch.

A breathtaking book of some of the most known and unknown gardens around the world. Yolonda Zappaterra takes you on a tour of some of the most beautiful and unique gardens in Italy, Japan, Australia, China and many other countries. From a detailed description of each garden, you will also learn of the garden’s history, why it was built and what was the garden’s purpose.

Spanning 40 different gardens in cathedrals, castles, monasteries, mausoleums, churches, and restored ruins in location throughout the world, you will visit, forests, islands, Italy, Nigeria, Japan and almost every continent.

As an avid photographer and gardener myself, I quickly fell in love with this book. I found myself going back to look at the stunning photographs, hoping one day to visit some of these masterpieces. An absolutely beautiful book that makes you want to travel! Beautiful detailed descriptions given so that the reader can walk through the gardens through the author’s eyes. The author not only gives detailed descriptions of the beautiful gardens but a thorough history of the garden, its location and history. This would be a great coffee table book that would not go over looked!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book for an honest review.

Photos are the star of this photo book of religious gardens from around the world. The forth gardens show are truly from around the world and not European or American centric. I’ve visited only four of the sights covered including the beautiful Alhambra in Spain where I was only months ago. This is more of a coffee table book for a garden lover or traveler and not a how to make your own garden. The photos are lovely and give a feeling of tranquility and peacefulness. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion for the temporary ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

Earthly Utopias: Sacred Gardens of the World
Yolanda Zappaterra
This is a celebration of forty of the most beautiful places on Earth. Author Yolanda Zappaterra takes readers on a journey to visit the gardens that are filled with magic. Each has its own distinct structure or purpose. Each is beautiful.
While my garden would never be called perfect it does bring me tranquility, peace and harmony. The gardens in this book bring an inner peace. They are located around the world from North American to Europe, to Asia, and Africa.
The photographs in this book are breathtaking. As I looked through this book and read the background for each garden, I found peace as though I was sitting in the garden meditating.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

I loved this! I firstly can not even believe all those places exist in real life!
This book is full of GORGEOUS images, and also locations and descriptions of these wonderful gardens.. It's just such a little vacation for your mind.. I wanna get this for myself so I can flip through it whenever and daydream before I - hopefully - visit at least some of them. :)

Lovely pictures of gardens from around the globe, with some informative text.
Real talk, I only showed up for the pictures. They did not disappoint.

Earthly Utopias is full of stunning gardens. The pictures are breathtaking and transport the reader to another place and in some cases, time. There are gardens represented from all over the world. The author provides an introductory discussion regarding “sacred garden” and what it could mean. Whatever your takeaway is, there is peace and tranquility to be found in the beauty of nature. From rustic to ornate, there is something for everyone. Each location has a small introduction or background as well as some descriptive paragraphs to provide further insights to the pictures. Get lost in these beautiful utopias!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Utopia- a definition - an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.

Yolanda Zappaterra takes us on a journey around the world to visually explore some of the most astoundingly beautiful and places of tranquility.

Each garden is accompanied with background information often linked to its creation/creator, structure and purpose but ultimately taps into how these gardens bring calm and enchantment through religion or appreciation / an inner calling of the natural environment which many are seeking in technologically influenced lives and when the human race is becoming more and more detached from nature/plants/water and peace.

The book visits garden from North America to Asia to Europe and Africa..... the photography is enchanting making you just want to head ut the door to immerse yourselves in these paradises.

Yes, it could be a coffee table book but this also a meditative book - pulling you into the calm and sensory experience of each garden. Beautiful, moving and a book to return to just to pause and reflect - ideally pulling you out into the local natural world to discover your own personal utopia.