Therapy Through Horticulture
Donald P. Watson & Alice W. Burlingame | 1960 First Edition, First Printing | Macmillan, New York
A Pioneering Work in the History of Horticultural Therapy
An uncommon and historically significant first printing of Therapy Through Horticulture, published by The Macmillan Company, New York, in 1960.
Written by Donald P. Watson and Alice W. Burlingame, two important early figures in the development of horticultural therapy, this influential publication is widely recognised as the first textbook devoted specifically to horticultural therapy.
More than six decades after its publication, the book remains an important historical reference in the development of gardening as a structured therapeutic activity, making this original 1960 printing particularly interesting to collectors, researchers and practitioners.
This is the original Macmillan first printing of 1960, not a later edition or modern reproduction.
About the Book
Published at a formative moment in the development of horticultural therapy, Therapy Through Horticulture explores the remarkable potential of gardening and plant-related activities to contribute to physical rehabilitation, emotional wellbeing and psychological recovery.
The authors examine how horticultural activities can be incorporated into therapeutic programmes, considering the needs and capabilities of individual patients and the practical considerations involved in delivering effective treatment.
The book addresses the application of horticulture in institutional and rehabilitation settings, illustrating how apparently ordinary gardening activities can serve carefully considered therapeutic purposes.
Particularly noteworthy is its treatment of therapeutic evaluation, including methods of assessing the physical and psychological demands and benefits associated with different horticultural activities.
Today, when gardening and access to green spaces are increasingly recognised for their contribution to wellbeing, this early publication offers a fascinating insight into the foundations of an established therapeutic discipline.
The Authors and Their Historical Importance
Alice W. Burlingame was a pioneering American horticultural therapist who played a significant role in the development and professional recognition of the field.
Her work with horticultural programmes in psychiatric and institutional settings helped demonstrate the therapeutic possibilities of gardening. Her contributions were subsequently recognised by the American Horticultural Therapy Association, which established an award bearing her name.
Donald P. Watson, associated with Michigan State University, was another important early advocate of horticultural therapy and its practical applications.
Their collaboration produced a work that helped establish the theoretical and practical foundations of a developing profession.
For anyone interested in the history of occupational therapy, psychiatric rehabilitation, therapeutic horticulture or the relationship between nature and human wellbeing, this is an especially relevant early publication.
First Edition and Publication Details
• Title: Therapy Through Horticulture
• Authors: Donald P. Watson and Alice W. Burlingame
• Publisher: The Macmillan Company
• Place of publication: New York, USA
• Publication year: 1960
• Edition: First Edition, First Printing
• Format: Original clothbound hardback
• Language: English
• Pages: 134
The copyright page explicitly states “First Printing”, confirming the book’s status as an original first printing of the 1960 edition.
Original Publisher’s Binding
The book retains its attractive dark cloth-covered boards, with distinctive pink floral decoration to the front and silver lettering along the spine.
The floral motif appears to be an original stamped decorative feature of the publisher’s binding, providing an appealing contrast against the dark cloth.
This understated but distinctive design is particularly attractive in a book concerned with the therapeutic value of plants and horticulture.
Condition
Good vintage condition for a book published in 1960.
The original cloth boards are generally well preserved, displaying expected signs of age and handling, including light surface rubbing, minor marks and some wear to the corners and edges.
The distinctive pink floral decoration remains bright and clearly defined, while the silver lettering to the spine is legible and well retained.
The rear board is generally clean, with light age-related wear.
The exposed page edges show some age-related toning and discolouration. The photographed preliminary pages are clean and legible, with light age-related toning.
No dust jacket is present.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description and show the actual book offered for sale.
This is an original vintage publication, offered in its existing condition rather than as a restored or modern reproduction.
Collectability and Interest
This book will be of particular interest to:
• Collectors of first editions and historically significant nonfiction.
• Researchers into the origins of horticultural therapy.
• Occupational therapists and rehabilitation professionals.
• Collectors of medical, psychiatric and psychological history.
• Academic and specialist libraries.
• Garden historians and those interested in the therapeutic relationship between people and plants.
Although modest in appearance, Therapy Through Horticulture occupies a notable place in the development of its subject.
An opportunity to acquire an original 1960 first printing of a foundational work in horticultural therapy, written by two of the discipline’s early pioneers.
Postage and Packaging
FREE Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery within the UK.
The book will be carefully and securely packaged to protect its boards, spine and pages during transit.
Dispatched with care by MaudlinMarx, offering carefully selected vintage, unusual and collectible items.