I found it by accident in my local library about 4 years ago, and have been searching for my own copy ever since; it is, unlike so many books these days, well worth RE-reading on a yearly basis.

Being an avid gardening fan, and also a huge lover of those large, rambling properties that have been unkept and unloved for numerous years, watching this gentleman conquer the same was at times extremely amusing, fairly informative, and always interesting.

Also of note for those who like to compare cultures; the British point of view is definitely different from the American, and the historical perspectives that can be occasionally drawn from Mr Courtauld's lively prose are also worth thinking about, if not always pleasing to the ultra-sensitive PC American mind... :)

Strongly recommended for those who like gardening, reading about gardening, and occasionally reading about gardening without worrying too much about all the technicalities!