SKU: 8664388331

A Thing in Disguise

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Description

A Thing in DisguiseA brilliantly conceived biography of Joseph Paxton, horticulturist to the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth, architect of the Crystal Palace at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and one of the greatest unsung heroes of the Victorian Age In the nineteenth century, which witnessed a revolution in horticulture and urban planning and architecture, Joseph Paxton, a man with no formal education, strode like a colossus. Head gardener at Chatsworth by the

A brilliantly conceived biography of Joseph Paxton, horticulturist to the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth, architect of the Crystal Palace at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and one of the greatest unsung heroes of the Victorian Age

In the nineteenth century, which witnessed a revolution in horticulture and urban planning and architecture, Joseph Paxton, a man with no formal education, strode like a colossus. Head gardener at Chatsworth by the age of twenty-three, and encouraged by the sixth Duke of Devonshire whose patronage soon flourished into the defining friendship of his life, Paxton set about transforming this Derbyshire estate into the greatest garden in England. Visitors there were astonished by the enormous glasshouses and ambitious waterworks he built, the collection of orchids, the largest in all England, the dwarf bananas and the gargantuan lily, the trees and plants brought back from all over the world. Queen Victoria came to marvel and, increasingly, with the development of the railway in which Paxton was also involved, daytrippers from all over the country.

It was the Crystal Palace, home of the Great Exhibition in 1851, that secured Paxton's fame. His design, initially doodled on a piece of blotting paper, was the architectural triumph of its time. Two thousand men worked for eight months to complete it. It was six times the size of St Paul's Cathedral, enclosed a space of 18 acres, and entertained six million visitors. By the time of his death fourteen years later, 'the busiest man in England' according to Dickens, was friends with Brunel and Stevenson and in constant demand to design public parks and gardens. His last, seemingly most eccentric project was for a Great Boulevard under glass, a crystal arcade that would connect all the main railway termini in London.

Drawing on exclusive access to Paxton's personal letters, Kate Colquhouns's remarkable biography is a compelling story of a man who typifies the Victorian ideal of self-improvement and a touching portrait of one of that era's great heroes.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Published: 09/11/2009
ISBN: 9780007143542
Pages: 320
Weight: 0.81lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.76d
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SKU: 8664388331

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Bob Obo
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
So Comfortable!
Size: 10.5, Color: Dark Taupe Suede, Size: 10.5, Color: Dark Taupe Suede
These are easily some of the most comfortable dress shoes I have ever owned. From the first time I put them on, they felt broken in and required very little adjustment. The fit is excellent, providing plenty of room in the toe box without squeezing or cramping my toes on the sides, which is often a problem with dress shoes. The suede is soft, supple, and feels like a quality material rather than the stiff suede found on many lower-priced shoes. The craftsmanship appears solid, and the shoes have a refined look that works well for both business and casual occasions. They are true to size and fit exactly as expected. I was also pleasantly surprised by how lightweight they feel while still offering good support throughout the day. Based on the quality of the suede and construction, I expect them to hold up well over time. The suede is soft enough to be comfortable but seems durable enough to handle occasional rain and everyday wear.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2026
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Gurudev
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
A good shoe from a trusted brand
Size: 13 Wide, Color: Medium Natural Nubuck, Size: 13 Wide, Color: Medium Natural Nubuck
I'm mostly happy with these so far. They're generally well made, they look great, and I know they'll last a long time. They're real leather, which is always greatly appreciated in this synthetic era. They are pretty dang supportive and comfortable overall. They're lightweight and the price is right. But there are a few negatives, mainly on the comfort front. The right shoe fits perfectly, but the left one isn't quite right. It feels like the top of the heel is stitched a little too tight, such that it digs into the back of my heel when I walk. Now, this isn't uncommon for me with new shoes, but I do kind of expect better from Rockport. The other issue is that the shoes feel a little bit slippery on low pile carpets and tile. Now I'm sure both of those issues are temporary, and will resolve as the shoes break in. Still, they're noticeable. What can I say? They're Rockports. You know they're going to be solid shoes. I almost love these shoes, and really, I'm sure in a few months, when they're fully broken in, I will love them unreservedly. But not quite yet.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
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J.MILLER
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Sharp looking dress shoes
Size: 14 Wide, Color: Medium Natural Nubuck
These shoes look great in person and have a clean, classic style that works well for the office, church, or more formal occasions. The natural nubuck gives them a nice appearance without being overly flashy, and they look more expensive than they actually are. The fit was good in the wide size, and they were comfortable right out of the box. The overall quality seems very good, with solid construction and materials that feel like they should hold up well over time. For the price, they're a good value and a nice option if you're looking for a sharp looking pair of dress shoes.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026
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Michael L
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
All day comfort!
Size: 12, Color: Grey Nubuck
I was looking for a pair of dress shoes that I could spend a lot of time in and be comfortable. I am happy to report that I’ve found them! I’ve always heard a lot about the Rockport brand, but never wanted to cough up the money that I do for say, Hoka athletic shoes. I can now see what folks do. Very comfortable right from the unboxing. My feet are so happy. The shoes themselves look great, and feature a really strong build quality. The price is a little on the steep side, but I’m learning you get what you pay for in most cases. Definitely a great product that I won’t hesitate to purchase again when needed.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
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amazoncustomer
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Classic, Comfortable Suede Shoes with Everyday Versatility! Love the Product
Size: 9.5, Color: Dark Taupe Suede
These Rockport Men’s Foley suede shoes offer a clean, classic look that works well for both casual and smart-casual outfits. The dark taupe suede finish gives them a refined yet relaxed style that pairs easily with jeans, chinos, or dress pants. They’re versatile enough for office wear, dinners, or everyday outings. Comfort is a strong point, with a cushioned insole and lightweight construction that makes them easy to wear for extended periods. The fit feels supportive without being stiff, and the overall build quality feels durable. Overall, these are stylish and comfortable suede shoes that balance professionalism with everyday wearability.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2026

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