Genius of Place

The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted

By: Justin Martin

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

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.

Olmsted’s work enhances our cities to this day.

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

A Touchstone

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 Great Tribute To a True Genius

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.

What a life!

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!!

No rambling for the man who crafted rambles

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.