Sowing Empire

Discover the intricate relationship between landscaping practices and imperialism in Jill H. Casid's enlightening book, Sowing Empire. Published in 2004, this compelling work spans 312 pages and delves into the 18th-century landscapes that shaped colonial narratives. Casid explores how practices such as planting, transplanting, and reshaping were deeply intertwined with the dynamics of empire, from the plantations of the "nabobs" to the idyllic gardens of narrative fiction. The book examines significant sites, including William Beckford's estate at Fonthill and Marie Antoinette's ornamental farm, revealing how these landscapes reflect patriarchal organization, heterosexual reproduction, and the impacts of slavery. Sowing Empire is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of history, geography, and landscape art during a pivotal era in European and colonial history.