Behind the Privet Hedge: The Suburban Garden, Beautification and the Battle for Definitions of Land in the Early 20th Century

The years surrounding both World Wars were periods of astonishing social and economic upheaval. Fuelled by demands for social justice new legislation gave millions of people better housing, health care and employment prospects. But often overlooked is the contested definition of land in this period and more specifically the role played by the humble suburban garden in this time of change. For many, including garden 'evangelist' Richard Sudell, they could be in the vanguard of the drive for a new egalitarian Britain. 

Michael Gilson is an award-winning editor and journalist. He is an associate fellow at the School of Media, Arts and Humanities, University of Sussex. His book Behind the Privet Hedge: Richard Sudell, the Suburban Garden and the Beautification of Britain will be published in May by Reaktion Books.