"The Gardens at Versailles, the most extravagant and influential gardens in European history, emerged from the long association of Louis XIV and his master gardener, Andre Le Notre.".

"Born in Paris, the son and grandson of gardeners, Le Notre grew up in the Tuileries Gardens and in the nearby royal workshops of the Louvre. He was recognized as a genius in his time, particularly for his innovative use of perspective and reflective water surfaces. His services were sought by the rich and powerful, and he moved at ease among them.

On a trip to Rome, overwhelmed by Pope Innocent XI's interest in his work, he took him in his arms and kissed him, to the later disbelief of the court back at Versailles.".

"In this well-documented and poetic portrait, Erik Orsenna recounts Le Notre's life, friendships, and achievements. He describes a deeply creative man, whose savoir-faire and good nature gained him the King's friendship and allowed him to give free reign to his artistic relent. "You are a happy man, Le Notre," Louis XIV told him. This book abounds with evidence that this was true."--BOOK JACKET.