In and Out of the Garden

I have two copies of this book which I purchased in the 1990s, but they are lost to me now. This copy arrived in the condition the seller stated. Save for a small blemish on the dust jacket, the book itself looks almost new.As for the book itself, this was my first contact with Sara Midda's work. Her tiny watercolors are exquisite gems and these gems, coupled with garden lore and advice are presented delightfully. There is plenty of white space around each page to help the reader fully enjoy both.The only drawback to this book is the same one I wrote for her Olives book: the tiny handwritten lines are now too small for me to enjoy properly. Back when I first read her books, my eyesight was better. That said, I can still derive a lot of pleasure from reading this.

Three stars for this book because :: The illustrations are beautiful and it is a charming book.However, the print on most pages is VERY tiny, the font is difficult to read, and on other pages, the contrast between the print and the white page is not enough to comfortably read the words. I (a 68-year-old woman) need a magnifying glass to read most of this book.

Perfect condition.

Hurray for the re-issue of this beautiful book! Paging through this hand-painted, calligraphied book any day of the year is like an escape into the Garden of Paradise! Hundreds of small, engaging watercolors of the garden and whimsical little garden people, harmonized with beautiful calligraphy. Besides being filled with the author/illustrator's charming observations, it is a veritable treasure trove of garden lore, with many quotes from authors old and new and advice from classic, old treatises on gardening and horticulture. Also many enchanting, anonymous garden sayings and quaint herbal folk remedies. The history of fruits and vegetables as a part of our culture. I bought two copies of this book--one to just periodically carry around with me! It's one of my favorite gift books, too. You won't be able to stop dreaming over it. You'll adore it!

Very nice book

Really too bad about the publisher's choice to (a) make the book so small (6.4 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches), especially in light of their decision to (b) not fill the printed pages entirely with her words and images (some pages are filled, but most have AT LEAST a 1-inch margin all the way around). I'm only 50 and have reasonably good eyesight — I only need drugstore reading glasses of moderate or lower strenth — but this is VERY uncomfortable to look at even casually.And I so wanted to love it, being that I'm both an avid gardener and watercolor journaler. I'm still considering returning it...

Adorable illustrations. I had this book in the past and have chosen to give it as a birthday gift for Gardner. I’m sure they will love it.

I agree with the reviewers who commented about the difficulty of enjoying this book because of the tiny size of the text and artwork. It's a shame, because it is clearly beautifully rendered work. Would love to see this reprinted with the artwork and text in a comfortably readable size. I think it would sell well.

I could not read any of the print, even with glasses and a magnifier. Print was so tiny and washed out!.

I liked the way this book was laid out wonderful designs

Witty and stunning art that is a true representation of Sara Midda. A little cute book that I highly recommend

Lovely, delightful book which arrived i time and in excellent condition.

Good book