Genius of Place Audiobook By Justin Martin cover art

Genius of Place

The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted

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Genius of Place

By: Justin Martin
Narrated by: Richard Ferrone
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Frederick Law Olmsted is arguably the most important historical figure that the average American knows the least about. Best remembered for his landscape architecture, from New York's Central Park to Boston's Emerald Necklace to Stanford University's campus, Olmsted was also an influential journalist, early voice for the environment, and abolitionist credited with helping dissuade England from joining the South in the Civil War. This momentous career was shadowed by a tragic personal life, also fully portrayed here.

Most of all, he was a social reformer. He didn't simply create places that were beautiful in the abstract. An awesome and timeless intent stands behind Olmsted's designs, allowing his work to survive to the present day. With our urgent need to revitalize cities and a widespread yearning for green space, his work is more relevant now than it was during his lifetime. Justin Martin restores Olmsted to his rightful place in the pantheon of great Americans.

©2011 Justin Martin (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Americas Architecture Entertainment & Celebrities Historical United States Celebrity New York England
Fascinating Biography • Well-researched Account • Engaging Storytelling • Historical Significance • Inspiring Legacy
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One of the best accounts of the 19th century’s second half, told as an account of one of the best-connected, most creative personalities.

A Touchstone

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A wonderful exploration of Olmsted’s talents and few failures. His obsession for perfection should inspire us all.

Olmsted’s work enhances our cities to this day.

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Generation of the book was well done, and complimented the terrific writing style of the author. Overall, an interesting and fairly lively look at Olmsted's life and works. I would recommend this for students, and anyone with an interest in how landscape architecture grew as a profession, and how Olmsted's vision was the driving force.

A Great Tribute To a True Genius

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Absolutely loved it!
I didn’t imagine that a man with landscaping legacy would also have influenced in the Red Cross and the NY Times. Awesome biography. A must read!!

What a life!

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First biography to learn about the literal pioneer of landscape architecture and no clue of his varied background and life. This was a great treatment of the life of Fred as well as the USA growing into its own from antebellum times through to the 20th century…all captured with one man.

No rambling for the man who crafted rambles

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This is an excellent overview of Olmsted's life and times. His self-education and wide variety of experience gave him the insight to help establish a very important profession. His importance in history will be magnified as the need for humans to live in harmony with nature becomes the existential issue of our times.

The Genius of Olmsted

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I learned a lot about Civil War era America through reading this book. As I'm sure is the case with a lot of people, I had no idea how many different endeavors Frederick Law Olmested had pursued during his wild & lengthy career, and how they impacted an affected American culture long after his passing. I had no idea how much the national park system posed to him, and his landscape architecture firm. Fascinating stuff.

More than Central Park

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His walks throughout the nearby spaces of his garden designs is one adventure I’d have loved to share with Fredrick Law Olmstead. These walks are where he created Central Park NYC and Biltmore, NC. He was a true romantic dreamer. Thank you for your presentation.

I’ve always loved gardener stories, Fredrick had lots to offer

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This is a remarkable description of Olmsted’s life with the complications the history he witnessed, participated in and influenced successfully.

History surprise!

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Olmsted was a genius. He accomplished so many things that were fascinating to read about, traveler, journalist, farmer, and ultimately the landscape architecture he is known for. He transformed cities private homes, college campuses etc. I loved this book and this man!

An Amazing Man

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