Capability Brown was a man made for his time. English society in the 18th century was rich, sophisticated and eager for change. It was a golden age of architecture, and Brown perfected the concept of the landscaped park as an ideal setting for them. Nicknamed "Capability" because of his uncanny knack of assessing "the capabilities of nature," the largely self-taught Brown enhanced the natural landscape with panache and energy, to create an Arcadian world that captivated the fastidious, aristocratic clientele clamoring for his services. During his lifetime he had no rivals, few imitators and...