Gardens of the Spirit : the History of the Gardens at the Bahá'i Holy Places in Haifa and 'Akká, Israel

Book excerpt: Described as the "eighth wonder of the world" and a "magnificent floral jewel," and visited by millions of people, the award-winning terraced gardens of the Bahá'i' Faith in Haifa, Israel, and the gardens north of Haifa at Bahji Akka, have a unique history spanning more than one hundred fifty years. Beyond the gardens, obvious beauty and serenity lies a compelling story of love, selfless devotion, patience, fortitude, and extreme sacrifice. "Gardens of the Spirit" captures that history for the first time in one volume using stunning photographs and archival images and drawing upon details from published histories, biographies, and memoirs, in addition to documents and official communications from the Bahá'i World Centre. -- From publisher's description.