In this text, Tom Fort traces the history of lawns from the first mention (Henry III) through famous lawns to the present day, interspersed with his own efforts over the year of the book in creating the perfect lawn. The English are universally acknowledged to be the lawn creators, coming up with most of the games based on grass, as well as the original grass-cutting machines. The inventor, Edwin Budding, is one of the heroes of the book. Another interesting aspect of grass is that it is almost entirely a male concern. Tom Fort's delightful book is an examination of the psychology of the lawnmower, and includes interviews with key obsessive lawnmakers of today.

'Delights at every turn... few can match his effortless essay style.' The Field

Tom Fort, an editor at the BBC, is the fishing correspondent of the Financial Times. He lives in Berkshire in a house with a large lawn.