Caribbean Elegance

Book Description

Here is an exotic interior-design book for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping to a different way of life. The elegant lifestyle, magnificent homes, and varied furniture and decor of the French, Dutch, Spanish, English, and Danish islands of the Caribbean from the late 18th century to the early 20th century are revealed as never before in this sumptuous volume.

With some of the most beautiful tropical islands on earth as a backdrop, dazzling photographs reveal the homes of the sugar barons who made their fortunes there. Tables and beds from St. Thomas and Ste. Croix, armoires and chairs from Martinique, cupboards and chests from the Spanish Antilles, settees and cabinets from the English islands; all are works that combine the grace and opulence of European and North American styles with the vernacular island forms and decorative motifs. These gorgeous examples give the reader a unique view of the casual refinement of aristocratic Caribbean living.

Customer Reviews:

Glad to Have This Book.......2007-04-28

Not so long ago I saw Caribbean Elegance at a friend's house. My friend was gracious enough to lend it to me to read. After reading it, I felt I should have my own copy, so I ordered a copy from amazon.com.

Not only is Dr. Connors' narrative comprehensively informative and enjoyable, but Bruce Buck's photographs are absolutely beautiful.

Together they have introduced me to a heretofore, to me at least, world of fascinating furniture and decorative arts. Kudos to Dr. Connors and Mr. Buck.

I look forward to acquiring the rest of their work.

Furniture is the Focus.......2006-01-25

This book has great pictures of West Indian furniture and its focus is only on the furniture. I was looking for some ideas on how to design using this style, but not much can be gotten directly on how to do this from this book. However, I did come away with a good sense of the various influences on the West Indian style.

Moderately interesting.......2005-08-15

This book had some interesting facts, but as an interior designer who was looking for inspirational pictures for room designs I thought it had moderate value.

FABULOUS!.......2005-04-10

I have owned this book for over a year and always thought it was an excellent book but wasn't inspired to write a review until just recently, when I received a new book I purchased called "Caribbean Style". This book, "Caribbean Elegance", is everything that the other book is not. I love this book! The photography is incredible, encompasing everything from the smallest furniture detail or accessory, to entire historical exteriors & interiors, and exquisite scenery!
The text gives a detailed history of the settlers and islands, really giving you an understanding of how the various styles of West Indies architecture and furnishings came into being. It also distingushes the furnishings by their various European influences, such as Spanish, English or Dutch, among others. As an interior designer I found this book fascinating and educational. But even for someone who just has a love of the islands, the photography alone is worth the price of the book.

Caribbean Elegance.......2004-06-17

This book was exactly what I was searching for. Not only is it visually stunning, but it provides a wealth of historical information on Caribbean style and furnishing. A wonderful resource if you want to understand how this very unique style of interior design came to be.

Average customer rating:

The best on the subject !
Very Good Buy!
A modern book on japanese sword fittings
Simply the best book on fittings
A truly unique and captivating gallery

Lethal Elegance
Joe Earle
Manufacturer: MFA Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0878466797
Release Date: 2004-12-02

Book Description

As the "soul of the samurai," the sword is famously both the symbol and instrument of Japanese military prowess. Less known, at least in the West, is its role as a fashion accessory or status symbol. And more than the weapon itself, it was the sword's metal fittings--from the hand guard to the small decorative plates on the hilt--that reflected the complexities of samurai life. Some fittings were meant to convey the honor and self-control expected of a samurai while on official duty, while other, more flamboyant ones reflected his leisure-time persona as "man about town." Later, when the wearing of swords spread beyond the samurai class, both the decorative function of the fittings and the variety of their designs sharply increased, leading to some of the most sophisticated and accomplished metalwork ever created. Lethal Elegance presents 150 of these remarkable sword fittings, and is one of the few books in a Western language to focus on the visual presentation, rather than the function or culture of the sword. It discusses the many effects achieved with different alloys, the evolution of fittings in relation to changes in warfare, the symbolism of particular motifs, and standards for connoisseurship. Nearly all these fittings were once owned by trained swordsmen, and the weapons they ornamented could surely inflict fatal wounds. But their extraordinary variety and beauty, lavishly illustrated and carefully presented by Joe Earle, also reveal them as marvels of self-expression and personal style.

Customer Reviews:

The best on the subject !.......2006-01-31

Being relativelly new to the subject of Japanese swords and fittings I was quite impresse by two things:
- Quality of the pictures
- Description of the items
I think this is worht having for anyone that trully appreciates the japanese swordmanship and art itself.

Very Good Buy!.......2006-01-30

Very amazing photos, and quality information on each photo and sword. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

A modern book on japanese sword fittings.......2006-01-16

This review is a joint effort with Laerte E. Ottaiano
The book is very good . It has a few annoying errors. I give example of two of them: On page 171 there is a tsuba described as "Design of Egret and Crab" . However the Crab is not there . It is on the back of the Tsuba and is relatively ugly in our opinion . On page 193 there is a tsuba described as "Design of deer and the moon". Again the moon can not be seem. It is on the back of the tsuba and is very,very, beautifull. You can check what we told in the book by Ogawa Morihiro on the Boston Collection. The great thing of this book is that it presents a new way to way to apreciate Tsubas.Kinko( as oposed to steel , sukashi tsubas) were underrated in the USA and Canada. Only steel tsubas were considered old and of true use by Samurai.As this book teaches us this is not so. Kinko Tsubas were used by Samurai and Sukashi Steel ( or Iron ) Tsubas are not usualy so old . This came as a great relief for us . We always thought that Kinko tsubas were works of art. It is a grest relieve to find this in this book

Simply the best book on fittings.......2005-03-05

On top on anything else, this book has the best pictures of japanese sword fittings that I've had the chance to see so far. There are many good close-ups that show well the work done by the craftmen.
Earle goes through explaining the evolution of sword fittings by presenting the influence of History upon the samurai, and their needs.
He also exposes techniques, although not in depth - it is not the purpose of this book - and materials used in the making of the tsuba and other fittings.
I believe he succeeds in bringing the reader to understand the how and the why behind those very impressive works of art.
The works chosen - among the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; probably the greatest collection of japanese swords and sword fittings outside Japan - are just plain divine. The pictures were all taken using digital technology, and -as a photographer - I must say it is above anything I'd have expected from any technology and any subject. A must have for any japanese art/craft/design/sword lover.

A truly unique and captivating gallery .......2004-12-08

Lethal Elegance: The Art Of Samurai Sword Fittings by Joe Earle is an impressive and seminal artbook showcasing 150 rare and beautiful masterwork fittings for Japanese swords. The full-color photographs reveal beauty and exquisite craftsmanship, while the informed and informative text aptly discusses the effects achieved with various alloys, how fitings changed in response to advances in warfare, symbolism, standards, and more. Nearly all the artworks presented were once owned by trained swordsmen, yet their elegance reveals as much of individual style and personality as they do lethal functionalist. Lethal Elegance: The Art Of Samurai Sword Fittings is a truly unique and captivating gallery which is especially commended to the attention of students of Japanese History in general, and samurai culture in particular.

Average customer rating:

Cuban Elegance
AWESOME!!!
The Best of Cuba in a book.
Colourful Cuba
Astonishing

Cuban Elegance
Michael Connors
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810943379

Book Description

At a time when more and more travelers are discovering Cuba, which has been locked away from the outside world for more than 40 years, this lavishly illustrated, absorbing volume offers a completely different view of the island from the one seen by most visitors. This book presents not the picturesque Cuba of Castro's era with its derelict buildings and peeling paint, but the opulent world of the Spanish Creole aristocracy of the colonial period, which has continued to influence Cuban taste and cultural life on a more modest scale even to this day.

Emphasizing the palatial homes and elegant furnishings of the island's enormously rich sugar, cotton, and tobacco barons, Cuban Elegance relates the social, cultural, architectural, and interior design history of Cuba, and of the Caribbean region in general. With an engaging text and gorgeous photographs taken especially for this sumptuous volume, Cuban Elegance offers a fresh, surprising perspective on an intriguing country.

Customer Reviews:

Cuban Elegance.......2007-09-26

Cuban Elegance is a great book, has wonderful photography and dipicts the elegant decore of Cuba and its architecture as well.

AWESOME!!!.......2007-08-16

THIS IS IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BOOK. THE PICTURES ARE BEAUTIFUL, THE TEXT REGARDING EACH ONE IS VERY CLEAR. IT HAS A GOOD FLOW AND MAY I DARE SAY IT IS A SEXY BOOK? IF THERE IS SUCH A THING. I WOULD RECOMMEND EVERYONE AND ANYONE TO GET IT. WHEATHER YOU'RE CUBAN OR NOT.

IT HELPS POINT OUT ALL THE BEATY THAT ONCE USED TO BE AS WELL AS THE ONE LEFT NOW AMIDST ALL THE DECAY AND ABANDONEMENT CURRENTLY AFFECTING THE ISLAND COUNTRY. I LOVED IT.

The Best of Cuba in a book........2007-04-16

I recently bought this book and despite that I had never being in Cuba before this is better than the real thing. Cuba was one the biggest economies in the region and such growth gave the possibility to create one of the most selected elites in the Caribbean islands. That prestige and class is all what you can find in this book full of excellent pictures. The reading of the book is pleasant, accurate and, full of details. I was amaze by the work around Cuban furniture which reflects the passion of the author in the topic. It's worth 5 out 5 starts with any doubts.

Colourful Cuba.......2006-02-08

This is a great coffee table book of good quality. The colour photographs are excellent, accompanied by descriptive text. I bought it out of a sense of curiosity of how the more affluent Cubans might live. Unfortunately, as it turns out, I don't generally share their taste in design or dark furniture, but don't let that put you off an excellent and informative book.

Astonishing.......2004-10-01

Cuban Elegance is an astonishing work. That Michael Connors and Bruce Buck were able to navigate the bureaucracies to get to Cuba and to the subjects of the book; astonishing that with an admitted paucity of research material they were able to craft a book that reveals the wealth of historic artifacts in Cuba.

Connors' concise, comprehensive and well-researched narrative along with Bruce Buck's beautiful images bring to light the stylistic and historical influences of three centuries of Cuba's heritage.

Kudos to both gentleman for what must have been an arduous task. The fruits of their labors is a book that should be an elegant addition to a great many libraries.

Average customer rating:

Another Winner
Tables Turned
A very pretty book

French Island Elegance
Michael Connors
Manufacturer: "Harry N. Abrams, Inc."
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810958414

Book Description

They are the jewels of the Caribbean, gorgeous prisms through which we see reflected the opulent world of the French Creole aristocracy. The French-speaking islands of Martinique, Guadaloupe, Marie-Galante, and Saint Martin come alive as never before in the pages of French Island Elegance, a lavishly illustrated look at one of the most intriguing and beautiful parts of the world. More than 160 color photographs taken especially for this book give readers a privileged glimpse inside a world rarely seen by most visitors—the palatial, elegantly furnished homes of the islands' affluent sugar, cotton, and tobacco barons, both historical and contemporary. An authoritative text sheds light on the area's rich social, architectural, and interior design history—a vital past that still influences French Island taste and cultural life to this day.

Customer Reviews:

Another Winner.......2006-11-18

Having read Dr. Connors' previous books, Caribbean Elegance and Cuban Elegance, I looked forward to French Island Elegance. I was not dissapointed.

Once again Dr.Connors has provided us with a well-researched and easily readable narrative accompanied by Bruce Buck's sumptuous photographs. The two of them have developed into a winning team.

French Island Elegance will not only look great on anyone's coffee table, but is a wonderful resource on a subject that heretofore has had none.

Tables Turned.......2006-11-14

Sure this could be seen as another stylish table topper where we imagine ourselves sipping bellinis while overlooking fishermen--but what's rare in French Island Elegance when compared to the other three inch thick coasters, is that the author and photographer really did their homework. This is not an embellishment. It's not an ambiance bound between covers either. Connors discusses the rare qualities of Martinique, Guadaloupe, Marie-Galante, and Saint Martin in their own histories of sugar plantations and tobacco dynasties. He examines, quite aesthetically, how the cross section of economic and social histories compose a unique archicture and style not yet lost to the modern world--no, it's not just a pretty book for the coffee table after all.

A very pretty book.......2006-11-12

This is a lovely book - suitable on any coffee table.
I had been looking for a book on Caribbean architecture - historic and contemporary, but had come up short and this book too, did not fit the bill. I found it is mostly about the FURNITURE of the French Caribbean islands. As such, it does an excellent job and in that way, it is fairly similar to the author's other book `Caribbean Elegance'. It certainly has the same look and I think many of the examples are the same. The pictures are lovely, the furniture quite unusual and the text interesting, though I could have had more.
The closest I have come to finding a book on Caribbean architecture is `Caribbean Style'.

Average customer rating:

Elegance (Architectural Design)

Manufacturer: Academy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0470029684

Book Description

Elegance represents an important watershed in architectural design. Since the onset of computer-driven technologies, innovative designers have, almost exclusively, been preoccupied with the pursuit of digital techniques. This issue of AD extrapolates current design tendencies and brings them together to present a new type of architecture, one that is seamlessly trying processes, space, structure and material together with beauty. ‘Elegance’ here is cast with a new contemporary meaning as it is applied to work that is effortlessly complex. It is analogous to an elegant algorithm that uses a small amount of initiative code to great effect. In a structure elegance may be expressed by a complex surface that retains its continuity and integrity even when punctured. In many ways, Elegance marks a coming of age for, ‘digital architecture’, as architects become more adept at producing complexity and integrating digital design technologies, production and assembly systems producing elegant solutions. It is the potent finesse that is often associated with the work of Zaha Hadid Architects and other featured architects, such as Mark Goulthorpe of Decoi and Hani Rashid of Asymptote.

Italian Chic: The Italian Approach to Elegance

Average customer rating:

Buy it instead of "French Chic"!
Excellent for the fashion enthusiast!
Worth finding

Italian Chic: The Italian Approach to Elegance
Susan Sommers
Manufacturer: Villard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0679404570
Release Date: 1992-10-13

Book Description

A top New York-based fashion journalist shows cost-conscious women how to capture the understated elegance of Italian style. Line drawings and halftones enhance the user-friendliness of Italian Chic--every woman's passport to the height of fashion.

Customer Reviews:

Buy it instead of "French Chic"! .......2006-04-04

I probably own a hundred "how to dress" books, and this is one of my favorites. Sommers' previous book, "French Chic", may accurately explain how French women dress, but the tips she gives and the examples she uses would make you a laughingstock in America. (One photo presents a plump woman with waist-length hair, huge sunglasses, and a beach towel thrown over her shoulder like a shawl. But she's not dressed for the beach -- these accessories accompany ordinary day clothes. The message seems to be that the French find eccentricity the height of elegance.)
By contrast, "Italian chic" describes a classic style that works anywhere, with all ages, and is not quickly dated. Low-key, high-quality, versatile clothing is featured. Chapters on Italian culture, skin and hair care are a plus. The writing is charming, and the book itself is beautiful, with high-quality, glossy paper, and lovely photos. It's ten times better than "French Chic". Now if only Sommers would write "Chinese Chic","Indian Chic", "English Chic", etc.....

Excellent for the fashion enthusiast!.......2001-08-02

If you are interested in fashion, you will love Italian Chic. This out of print book like its cousin French Chic (also written by Susan Sommers) is rapidly becoming a sought after collectible. Though French Chic has been listed for prices well over $100 Italian Chic can be found for much lower. Yet of the two books, my preference is for Italian Chic. The book written in 1992 describes how to incorporate Italian style secrets into simple to follow fashion guidelines. You will learn where to scrimp, where to splurge. How to update what you own. How to travel light and wrinkle free. Make a shawl work for every occasion. The pictures in the book are contemporary and work today. Unlike many fashion books where you are supposed to pick your look like romantic or trendy and dress accordingly Italian Chic is classic and works forever. You will learn how to work your wardrobe to your best advantage. Much is covered in this detailed book, everything from the type of jeans to wear and where they should hit on the ankle to the classic sunglass choice. There is a whole section on makeup for maximum effect. The Italians put the emphasis on the eyes. And information on how water helps the Italian skin glow. Excellent resource for those that want to look fabulous!

Worth finding.......2000-02-15

The regional distinctions might not be accurate (or maybe they are), but the fashion tips and photos are wonderful. I refer to my own worn copy of this book, regularly. If you're trying to determine your own "look," this book is helpful.

A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions

Average customer rating:

A bit dated...needs to be updated
A Must read for every woman of evry age!
Grace and Style are Always in Fashion
Nothing we don't already know !
a simple guide for max results

A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions
Genevieve Antoine Dariaux
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060757345
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Book Description

The original
What Not to Wear
from one of fashion's
most enduringly
stylish women ...

Written by French style guru Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, Elegance is a classic style bible for timeless chic, grace, and poise -- every tidbit of advice today's woman could possibly need, all at the tips of her (perfectly manicured) fingers. From Accessories to Zippers, Madame Dariaux imparts her pearls of wisdom on all things fashion-related -- and also offers advice on other crucial areas in life from shopping with girlfriends (don't) to marriage and sex.

Customer Reviews:

A bit dated...needs to be updated.......2007-08-20

I enjoyed the "what not to wear" parts of the book. Although I found it to be incredibly dated. In order to be elegant she has you changing your clothes 5 to 6 times a day. Different outfits for 9,1,3,6,7,8 and 10 p.m. And stocking with seams...hmmmm Do they still sell these? There is some good advice but this book truly needs an update plus if you are not a city dweller spending weekends in the country a lot of this book will not be for you.

A Must read for every woman of evry age!.......2007-08-13

Every mother should give a copy to their daugthers when they graduate college and begin their careers! It should be re-read every 5 years to re-enforce the wonderful concepts and remind us of the parts we may have forgot! As a career woman it her 40's who is moving up the corporate ladder, it has been an wonder source for sharpering my image! Coco Channel said, 'Dress shabbily and they noticce the dress; dress impecibly and they notice the woman.' This book will help all woman be noticed!

Grace and Style are Always in Fashion.......2007-08-10

This book takes hints from days past to give you a guide on being cool, calm and collected. I imagine a Dita Von Teese-type woman when it comes to this book, and I would love to be like this.

This book has become an easy gift for friends -- one that will be appreciated by most any woman who values decorum and class.

Nothing we don't already know !.......2007-08-07

Treat it as fun because it doesn't tell you anything that you don't already know about common sense and the sense of proportion. But it's ideal for tossing around the house and goes well with your Tiffany's publications collection because they have kind of the same colour scheme!

a simple guide for max results.......2007-06-17

I really enjoyed reading the book. (this is twice now that I have re-read it) and have learned something new. The contents are wonderful from Accessories to zoology... (go fig) there is even a part on teens! She gives you a simple wardrobe to start with that you add on. Page 16-17 is very helpful too talking about what to wear from winter to spring and summer that will take you from work to dates...she even has a nice outline if you are living in a cold washed area to a heatwave area. I'm thinking of purchasing another to give to my daughter so I can have mine back! Best of luck to all you chic women out there!

Baltimore Elegance: A New Approach to Classic Album Quilts

Average customer rating:

Love this book!
Classic Albums Simplified
A great tutorial for a beginner in applique
applique, quilting
Applique' Plus

Baltimore Elegance: A New Approach to Classic Album Quilts
Elly Sienkiewicz
Manufacturer: C&T Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1571202749
Release Date: 2006-09-15

Book Description

* Eight large reproduction blocks, plus 25 smaller blocks and border designs
* Six simple lessons for improving appliqué skills
* Author is an authority on the Baltimore Album

For anyone who's always wanted to create a beautiful Baltimore Album quilt...expert Elly Sienkiewicz offers more than two dozen simple blocks that build to timeless classics. In-depth how-tos and six skill-building lessons make it easy to make full-size or children's quilts, plus totes, aprons, pillows, even a block carrier. Great for classes or clubs, Baltimore Elegance is perfect for quilters everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

Love this book!.......2007-04-17

Elly has written many books on Baltimore album quilts, but this is one of my favorites. It has 8" block patterns, rather than the more traditional 12". It's full of instructions for applique, stitching, transferring designs, and lots of color pictures. Plenty of ideas to work from. The only applique method she doesn't explain is the Templar Starch method, which I think is a good way to do applique, but I won't mark down her score for this.

Classic Albums Simplified.......2007-03-23

Elly has done it again for all her fans and is sure to gain new ones with this simplified approach to a classic style. Her "voice" can be heard in every written line for those of us lucky enough to have attended her academy classes. Add this to your collection, or start a collection with this wonderful book. Keep them coming, Elly!

A great tutorial for a beginner in applique.......2007-03-08

As a seasoned quilter, I had always avoided applique. There were too many conflicting methods floating around, and none of them seemed to work for me. Elly's book clarified everything! She explains all of the methods in easy to understand steps. She explains the hows and the whys, and tells you what to look for to avoid problems down the road. The lessons are terrific, and presented in clear, concise steps with good illustrations. Her patterns advance in skill level as the lessons progress. My projects were a success, thanks to Elly, and I now feel comfortable with applique.

applique, quilting.......2007-02-18

Excellent reference book for Baltimore Album Quilts. Highly recommend all of Elly's books.

Applique' Plus.......2007-01-23

Baltimore Elegance approaches the technique of applique' through six lessons that offer the quilter experience at various techniques. Also included are embellishing techniques such as padded applique', ruching, embroidery and using beads. Projects included go from the simple to more complex designs. The patterns are for an 8" x 8" finished block so if you want to make something larger the patterns will need to be enlarged. Enlargement percentages are given. As a beginner, I was not intimidated. I'm glad to have this book in my reference library.

British Campaign Furniture: Elegance Under Canvas, 1740-1914

Average customer rating:

Lavish Coffee Table Book on British Campaign Furniture
Oh that all books were as beautiful..........
Great picture book
Review from The Arizona Republic, June 27, 2001
Review from Quest Magazine, April 2001

British Campaign Furniture: Elegance Under Canvas, 1740-1914
Nicholas A. Brawer
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810957116

Amazon.com

"The first axiom for camp is... do not make yourself uncomfortable for want of things to which you are accustomed," advised The Complete Indian Housekeeper and Cook in 1890 to high-born Brits living in India, most of which England had by that point colonized through a succession of wars, or military "campaigns," throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. This impeccably curated, insightfully narrated, and richly illustrated volume proves that the homesick subjects of the Raj took such advice deeply to heart. It showcases nearly 200 years of furniture designed expressly to approximate all the refinement of a proper British household inside the canvas tents of ranking officers afar, but also to break down and fold up fast for easy, compact transport (hence campaign furniture's other appellation, "knock-down" furniture). Masterfully put together by independent curator Brawer, previously a researcher in the Indian and Southeast Asian departments of London's venerable Victoria and Albert Museum, this handsome volume succeeds on two levels: it amply highlights the stylistic elegance and technical ingenuity of this kind of furniture--a bureau that becomes a bed when its drawers are removed; a lady's bidet that folds into a leather case; or a dining table seating 20 that fits inside a 10-inch-deep box--while putting it (often quite wryly) in the historical context of an expatriate society that sought to re-create Britain wherever it went and had little or no interest in adapting to or learning about the customs or designs of the people it conquered (and essentially enslaved). Throughout, Brawer includes excerpts from a fascinating array of letters, journals, and other documents of the period, and an excellent pictorial directory of the furniture's craftsmen and manufacturers helps make this impressive tome invaluable for collectors, design historians, Anglophiles, and Merchant-Ivory set designers alike. --Timothy Murphy

Book Description

For Great Britain's gentlemen soldiers stationed in India, Africa, the South Seas, and North America, campaign furniture brought the comfort and civility of home to “life under canvas.” Collapsible and compact, made to be carried on the march and assembled on site, these folding chairs, desks, and cots—used by armies since ancient times—reached an aesthetic apex in 18th- and 19th-century England. To convey their social status, gentleman soldiers stationed abroad ordered entire suites of the ingeniously designed, elaborately styled, fold-up furnishings, and manufacturers such as Chippendale, Sheraton, and Hepplewhite furiously competed for commissions. In the first-ever book on the subject, Nicholas A. Brawer meticulously details this fascinating merger of commerce and craftsmanship.

Featuring more than 250 photographs organized by furniture type, the images include “before and after”series depicting items in packed and assembled states. A comprehensive directory of makers will prove invaluable to collectors, dealers, and military buffs.

Customer Reviews:

Lavish Coffee Table Book on British Campaign Furniture.......2002-04-07

This book is a must have for anyone interested in English antiques, social, military, or naval history. I have never seen another book on this subject and it is filled with very interesting "before" and "after" photographs of dozens and dozens of pieces of campaign furniture "assembled" and "disassembled." I imagine this book has been a great hit in London.

Oh that all books were as beautiful.................2002-02-20

This is an excellent review of British Campain Furniture.

Each piece is photographed in colour and/or Black & White, discussed and given brief measurements. The "disembled" photos are of great use to anyone who wishes to reconstruct any of the items from the book, as well as satisfying the just plain curious. Some of the gadgets are fantastic.

Unfortunately, like most books of this type, the author is limited by the pieces that he can access within a year or two. I know there were 'Campaign' folding rocking chairs, and I an certain that there are other examples of furniture, with other systems of assembly ( Louis Vouton made a folding-bed-in-a-trunk for the Brazza Expedition in Africa in the late 1800's which survives - there is a single picture in 'Treasure Chests').

I can only hope that the author will be encouraged to keep looking & photographing, and that we may see a second volume in years to come.

Sorry Amazon, you just don't have enough stars........

Great picture book.......2001-09-24

I just had to have this book. The subject matter was unusual and touched on the social aspects of camp life in the British Army.
The pictures are fabulous.

Review from The Arizona Republic, June 27, 2001.......2001-09-06

"If you were a British officer during the 18th or 19th century, your home had the look of a proper English residence, with desks, chairs, sofas, chests and fancy bedroom suites--even if you lived in a tent.

'The only real difference between fine household furniture and its campaign counterpart was that the latter could be quickly folded up, packed away in boxes, transported, and--without the use of nails, tacks or tools--reassembled...,' Nicholas A. Brawer writes in British Campaign Furniture.

How the furniture can be taken apart and stored is fascinating. One dining table and set of four padded chairs and a chaise lounge can be broken down into pieces that fit into two small crates.

There are pictures of the furnishings set up and stored. Often officers lived better overseas than at home. One cartoon depicts a British officer and his wife dining in their home overseas, with a half-dozen servants waiting on them, and then dining at home after retirement, with only one housekeeper.

Nearly half the book is a portfolio of the furnishings and detailed descriptions of manufacturers and furniture makers."

Review from Quest Magazine, April 2001.......2001-08-31

"There was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire. From Ceylon to the Americas, England ruled, bringing her lifestyle to Crown colonies around the globe.

Being stationed in India or Egypt, however, was no excuse to relax the standards of living to which British Army officers were accustomed. Living 'under canvas' did not mean roughing it. Instead, they brought their homes with them, packing cunningly constructed, portable furniture suitable for any elegant tented dinner.

Today, campaign furniture's elegance and simplicity have made it a must-have item for decorators and antique lovers. Nicholas Brawer's new book British Campaign Furniture: Elegance Under Canvas (Abrams) provides a fascinating history and a guide to collapsible decor."

Average customer rating:

Great BOOK !!!

Caribbean Elegance

A place to visit before you dies.

The Best Keep Secret in the Caribbean unveils.
Caribbean Architecture: Exclusive Designs by Gianfranco Fini in Marina Casa de Campo
Giancarlo Gardin; Massimo Rosati
Manufacturer: Archideos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 8887653089
Release Date: 2006-11-15

Product Description

This is a book that for the first time opens the doors to the public of the Marina at the luxurious gated community and Resort Casa de Campo in the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. It is one of a king peace of art printed and bounded in Italy, with more than 300 breathtaking full color photographs and original drawing throughout. The book is a first class guided tour of the Marina at Casa de Campo in the hands of its creator, the architect Gianfranco Fini. Stunning aerial views, with never before seeing original drawings that will allow you enter into the mind of the architect to see the way of living that he was planning to create and vivid pictures of it actual beauty and style. The full size pictures throughout the book portrays a whole range of Caribbean style an elegant properties from inside out, from chic waterfront apartments and townhouses of less than 2,000 sqf. to magnificent Villas and Mansions above the 16,000 sqf. The foreword by Eduardo Martinez Lima (Central Romana Corporation CEO) will tell you the story of how two entrepreneurs convince them from an architectural and business point to build the Marina. Carmen Ortega (Arquitexto Magazine Editor) will introduce you to the Dominican Republic and Casa de Campo, while Carlo Montanaro (Editor of Dove, Dove Case and Style) will show you the way of living in the all year round summer at the Restaurants, Yacht Club, Art Galleries and, seaside houses of this luxurious destination.

Customer Reviews:

Great BOOK !!!.......2007-04-29

If you want to know more about architecture in the Caribbean, you have to read this book!

Caribbean Elegance.......2007-04-11

Through his work at la Marina, Casa de Campo, Gian Franco Fini captures the essence of refined architecture with a perfect air of Caribbean elegance.

A place to visit before you dies........2007-04-10

This is a book about one of those magical places that once you get there you don't want to leave. It's in the path of boats coming from Miami to the West Indies and is the place to see in the Caribbean before you die. Casa de Campo is the Caribbean most complete resort by far where any possible hobby in the world could practiced at world renowned conditions -besides skiing, except if you change it for water-sky-. The book about the Casa de Campo's Marina is definitely a 5 start in class, quality and content. This is the real thing in Caribbean Elegance and Luxury where you'll be able to find some of the most exclusive houses in the region.

The Best Keep Secret in the Caribbean unveils........2007-03-02

This is the only book available about Marinas from an architectural standpoint. Blueprints, sketches and more than 300 full-color pictures are a never ending source for one of the most luxurious approach to Caribbean Architecture. It's about the renowned Marina at Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic and is a must for anyone willing see from the inside out as many options as possible to recreate a tropical paradise despite if it's and apartment or a houses under 2,000 sqf or a masterpiece above 20,000 sqf.
In contrast with W.R. Blain's book for "Marina Developments" -That is an excellent and maybe the only book about Marinas from a structural standpoint- this one is an architectural approach to Marinas and all the elements around it such as Yacht Club, Apartments, Houses, Restaurants and all related services. It's full of details and references in a text that is catchy and easy to read. My only concern was that I thought it was pricy in the first place despite that it was printed and bounded in Italy, but Blain's book is above the $250 and this one is more related to interior design and architecture so it's worth 5 out 5 starts.

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