Gardens of the Italian Lakes

This is a beautifully produced book on the gardens of the Italian Lakes -- more specifically, Lakes Como, Maggiore and Garda. The author provides a short description and history of individual estates and their gardens, along with ravishing photos. Several of these estates are now foundations and conference centers - would that I would be lucky enough to go to them! The map is generally useful but doesn't include all of the places mentioned. However, it does give a detailed enough sense that you can follow where the estates and garden are. This is a great escapist read.