Spicer's book is a photographic tour of 65 public gardens, arboretums, and nature preserves of North and South Carolina--in her words, "a handbook to heavenly beauty on earth." The gardens are listed alphabetically by city, 40 cities in all. Charleston, South Carolina, is represented by five gardens, more than any other city. Asheville and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina, are represented by four apiece. A short history of each garden is supplied, along with information on its hours, fees, size, and special features, and directions from the nearest interstate or state highway. Spicer's 100 color photographs are exquisite. —George Cohen.