Excerpts from a review from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by Patricia Lowry on 9/30/00:

"Pioneers" will quickly become an indispensable resource for anyone working in the field. Attractively designed and packed with more than 450 plans and photographs (including 100 in color), it's also just fun to look at and read ...

For each entry, "Pioneers" also includes a brief bibliography. The book also can serve as a travel guide; at the end is a list of sites open to the public. ...

At least 14 of the pioneers have surviving gardens, landscapes or parks here -- a reminder that this region has nationally significant landscapes that should be cherished and protected. ...

The book strives to capture not only achievements but also personality ...Birnbaum's hope is that the book will inspire academics, students and other researchers ...