Edith Wharton’s Italian Villas and Their Gardens, first published in 1904, is a detailed exploration of the architectural and horticultural splendor of Italy’s historic estates. Commissioned by Richard Watson Gilder of The Century Magazine, the book features over seventy-five villas, accompanied by illustrations from renowned artist Maxfield Parrish. Wharton, drawing from her extensive travels across Italy, offers a scholarly yet evocative analysis of these gardens, emphasizing their design, history, and the interplay between architecture and landscape.​

The book is structured into several chapters, each focusing on different regions and their unique garden styles. In the chapter “Villas Near Rome,” Wharton examines the grandeur of Renaissance and Baroque gardens, highlighting the Villa Farnese at Caprarola and the Villa d’Este at Tivoli. She praises the integration of architecture with nature, noting features like pleached alleys and water-theaters that exemplify the zenith of garden design during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In “Lombard Villas,” she delves into the terraced gardens of Isola Bella, describing them as a harmonious blend of artifice and nature, with cascading fountains and sculpted terraces. The final chapter, “Villas of Venetia,” focuses on the Venetian pleasure houses along the Brenta Riviera, illustrating the evolution of garden design in response to the region’s unique topography and cultural influences.​

Wharton’s narrative is not merely descriptive but also analytical. She critiques the overzealous attempts to replicate Italian gardens abroad, cautioning readers against superficial imitations. Instead, she advocates for an understanding of the underlying principles that make these gardens timeless, such as the thoughtful use of water, the strategic placement of statues, and the seamless blending of the built environment with the natural landscape. Her insights are underpinned by a deep appreciation for historical authenticity and a discerning eye for design.​

Italian Villas and Their Gardens stands as a testament to Wharton’s dual expertise as a writer and a designer. The book not only serves as a guide to Italy’s most exquisite gardens but also offers enduring lessons in design, aesthetics, and the art of living harmoniously with nature. Its enduring relevance speaks to Wharton’s profound understanding of the delicate balance between human creation and the natural world.