A Sweet View: The Making of an English Idyll

Exploring the romanticized vision of the English countryside, this book delves into how nineteenth-century writers and artists crafted an idyllic portrayal of rural life. Highlighting elements like village greens and cozy cottages, it examines the works of influential figures such as Samuel Palmer and Richard Jefferies. The text argues that this idealized imagery continues to shape modern perceptions of English landscapes, asserting its lasting impact on cultural identity, as noted by Henry James, who deemed it "the very essence of England."