“Originating from the French word for madness – also translating to extravagance or stupidity – defining follies is, according to art historian Celia Fisher, ‘almost as tricky as defining art’. She explores their wonder in this beautifully illustrated and captivating book.”

Daily Mail (UK)

"This is a scholarly, sumptuously illustrated book, with extensive references, a further reading list and an index, which perfectly shows how human folly
of all kinds is etched into our landscape."

Fortean Times

"Fisher, a historian of gardens and plants, examines follies in a breezy narrative that abounds with intriguing examples . . . [and] excellent (mostly color) illustrations, primarily of exteriors. This is an enjoyable overview of an intriguing architectural and cultural phenomenon.”

Choice

"A guide to these fanciful buildings in Britain, Ireland and beyond, placing them in their historical, social and architectural context, and examining their relevance for today."

Gardens Illustrated

"This book is delicious. I love Fisher’s account of Beachborough Manor, which we know from a painting by Edward Haytley."

The Oldie

“The book all folly lovers have been waiting for. . . it takes the appreciation of and learning about this branch of architecture and landscape design up to a new level. . . . Very literate with numerous allusions to classical antiquity and citations from living authors, and very well researched with a substantial range of sources.”

Follies

"Fisher draws on numerous sources to show her erudition in a feature of architecture, gardens, and landscape design, which she reveals in a series of fascinating stories linked to the world’s artistic and cultural development."

Jonathan Holt, editor of "Follies" magazine and author of several books on the follies of the West Country