The volume Gardens of Madeira – Gardens of the World. Contemporary Approaches displays present tendencies in calling upon the idea of gardens, being a wide-range approach to their literary, sociological and cultural representations. The book`s four parts: “Madeira: A Garden in the Sea?”, “Gardens as Temporal and Spatial Category. Cultural and Literary Approaches”, “Gardens as an Expression. Socio-cultural Perspectives” and “Re-Creating the Archetypal Garden – Discourses and Practices” refer to vast geographical and cultural areas, starting with the very complex sample of the overseas-yet-European Island of Madeira, and then joining the exemplification material from historical and contemporary European communities (with some luso-centric accents), including examples from the less known Slavonic and Eastern European countries. Those European issues are confronted with various non-European societies such as from Africa, Asia, and both Americas. Gardens evoke and express in many ways the present human condition, and - as such a process goes on - this book provides proposals for patterns to connect them to the modern and post-modern rules of self defining, reading the Other, interpreting world/national/cultural literatures, as well as to the various attempts to introduce the idea of gardens into the basic spatial and temporal aspects of contemporary communities. It also demonstrates the theoretical and practical attempts to project our “gardens` dependence” on to one of the essentials for contemporary societies which are multicultural, urbanised, technologically equipped and dependent, but which still are keen on reading and constructing paradises as environmental and cultural spaces for both asylum and encounter. The huge advantage of the book is showing to scholars and the wider public how discourses from the past meet with the quests of both the Humanities and the Sciences for gardening inspirations, not only for the sake of the today’s societies, but also when projecting the future of the Earth.

For centuries the island gardens of Madeira were at the crossroads of the world: as a halfway house between the tropics and the old continent, Madeira received plants from far-flung empires and accommodated ideas from both north and south. Its streets and squares are filled with magnificent jacarandas, flame-trees, and rosewoods, while its waterways are covered by trellises of bougainvillea. This book opens with an introduction describing the discovery and development of the island and its earliest gardens, the role of Portuguese aristocrats and British wine merchants in creating the country estates known as quintas, and the extensive travel literature of early tourists. The book then delivers essential background information on how the climate and landscape of Madeira have allowed the island’s unique flora to flourish. The gardens themselves are divided according to type, public or private, historic or modern, and all 24 are in or around the capital, Funchal. A few non-garden areas have been included to introduce the wild flora and landscape of Madeira, certainly of interest to garden lovers.

The Botanic Garden takes readers from tropical forests to deserts, and from alpine mountains to English country gardens, as it tours the most magnificent botanic havens in the world.

DK Eyewitness Portugal travel guide will lead you straight to the best attractions this remarkable country has on offer. Packed with photographs and illustrations the guide explores every facet that makes this landscape irresistible; from cosmopolitan Lisbon to magnificent medieval monastries and scenic valley vineyards. The guide provides all the insider tips every visitor needs from secluded beaches to elegant al fresco dining, including listings of the best hotels, villas, resorts, restaurants and nightlife in the region for all budgets. You'll find floorplans of all the major sites from Portugal's largest church, the Alcobaca, to the Palacio de Quelez. Experience the flavours of the Algarve with advice on local produce and classic dishes and find all the practical information you'll need. With up-to-date information on getting around and all the sights, beaches, and resorts listed town by town, DK Eyewitness Portugal is indispensable.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Portugal is your in-depth guide to this beautiful country. Explore the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, sample some wine in Porto, and discover the best beaches, scenic routes, markets, and festivals the country has to offer. Discover DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Portugal. + Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance. + Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights. + Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums. + Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area. + Area maps marked with sights. + Detailed city maps include street finder indexes for easy navigation. + Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights. + Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations. With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Portugal truly shows you this country as no one else can.