Genius of Place

The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted

By: Justin Martin

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 18 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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.

The Genius of Olmsted

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.

shaky start but strong finish

some of the verbiage early in the story felt too modern and took me out of the experience, but the story as a whole is well researched and expertly written. Wish more time had been spent on the Biltmore

inspiration for my aspiration

Those of us who aspire to influence both society and its interactions with landscapes will be greatly enriched by this deep dive into Frederick Law Olmstead's journey.

An Adventure of a Read

The performance and story are captivating. The book sheds light on the formative years of institutions and places that contribute to an idea of what the United States should strive to do more of; public works and democracy. A classic story in my mind.

More than Central Park

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.

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

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.