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English Manor Houses (Country Series)
Nicholas Cooper
Manufacturer: George Weidenfeld & Nicholson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0297831062 |
Customer Reviews:
Great reading for the "stately home" fan.......2006-04-27
Tourism in Britain started with pilgrims seeking out the tomb of Thomas ? Becket at Canterbury, expanded with a renaissance of topographers and antiquarians poking into odd corners of the country, and broadened again with the arrival of foreign visitors in London on the Continental Grand Tour. But the heart of this lovely book is the practice in the 18th and 19th centuries by owners of stately homes of allowing visitors to inspect the premises when they (the owners) were not in residence. (Think Elizabeth Bennett's first encounter with Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.) The Victorians also loved mysterious and romantic locations like Stonehenge and the Roman baths at Bath, and they loved to listen to (and frequently accept uncritically) the bizarre legends associated with them. (No, Julius Caesar did not build the White Tower!) Like all books I've read that were published by the National Trust (without which most of these tax-heavy properties would probably have been torn down decades ago), half the enjoyment is in the hundred-plus illustrations and the seventy color plates. A beautifully produced addition to English social history.
Book Description
Following on from the great success of Great Houses of England and Wales (Rizzoli), this concise edition of the original work brings together a selection of the finest houses into a completely redesigned, handy format that will enable it to be used as an affordable companion for those wishing to visit these magnificent houses.
As with the larger volume, the book is filled with charming anecdotes that describe the history of each house, both its architecture and its families, giving a real sense of the life it embodies. These are matched by stunning photographs that illustrate all aspects of the houses. They include some of the most splendid examples of English art and architecture, from awe-inspiring medieval stone to the beauties of the English Renaissance, the classical grandeur of the eighteenth century and the highest excesses of Victorian taste. The book concludes with a list of contact details and opening times for the houses that will assist those wishing to visit them.
Customer Reviews:
Great Houses - So Grand.......2007-05-09
I enjoyed the overview that this book provides. I am facsinated with the world that existed for the wealthy members of society at the time when these houses were built and then refurbished. It was an easy read - I would be interested in seeing the extended version.
Book Description
Sitting Marsh, a World War II town threatened by invasion, is overdue for a celebration. But when a stranger appears at a wedding--and is stabbed--sleuth Lady Elizabeth is on the case, and there's no shortage of suspects.
Customer Reviews:
A good read.......2007-06-13
As usual, a nice "lite" read for a mystery but just the thing to have in one's purse or pocket to fill in time on a train, bus or where you have some moments free. If you are an Anglophile, then this will be just your cup of tea!
Excellent Series.......2006-03-23
For those who have enjoyed the excellent Pennyfoot Hotel series by Ms. Kingsbury, this series will prove delightful, moving from the Victorian era to the English countryside during World War II in a manor house setting.
Love this series.......2006-03-18
I enjoy these books very much.As I grew up in London during the war I find it brings back some good memories of how people were then.Kate Kingsbury has really caught the "flavour" of those times.
I can't wait to read her next one in this series.
Such an enjoyable escape.......2006-02-28
I have read all of Kate Kingsbury's WW2 series and find them so relaxing and full of the most wonderful escapist writing. This last one maintained the high standard and I look forward to the next
Another Delightful Mystery.......2006-02-01
Residents of the small town of Sitting Marsh in England are looking for a distraction from the worries of World War II and find it during the wedding of Priscilla Pierce and Captain Willy Carbunkle. The residents band together, even donating their own rations, to give Priscilla and Wally a perfect wedding. Unfortunately, the wedding celebration is marred by the stabbing death of a stranger who wasn't even invited to the wedding. When it turns out that the victim was the boyfriend of one of the bridesmaids and they had been seen arguing earlier, suspicion falls on her and her family. But Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton has solved a few mysteries in the past and isn't convinced the police have the right suspects and decides to investigate the murder herself.
This is yet another delightful entry in Kate Kingsbury's Manor House mystery series. The mystery was intriguing and well plotted and Kingsbury threw in a nifty red herring that had me convinced early on that I knew who the murdered was, but I was totally wrong. The historical background is interesting, especially the details of rationing and blackouts. The real strength in these books are the characters: Lady Elizabeth struggling with her duties as Lady of the Manor and her love for Major Earl Monroe (who is regrettably in the background for much of this book); her faithful servants Violet and Martin; the various village ladies; and, of course, Sadie and Polly, young girls looking for love in war torn England.
Unfortunately, this is the second to last book in the Manor House series. The series will be missed, but this gives Kingsbury a chance to tie together the many themes that have gone on through all the books, including the identity of the "three musketeers" and a resolution of Elizabeth's relationship with Earl.
Book Description
More than 125 years ago, Baron Ferdinand Rothschild transformed a barren hill in the countryside outside London into the setting for an astonishing French Renaissance-style chateau that remains one of the most extraordinary houses in all of England. Bequeathed to Britain's National Trust in 1957, Waddesdon Manor and its spectacular gardens are now open to the public, welcoming more and more visitors every year.
Illustrated with specially commissioned photographs and unpublished historical material, this book provides a fascinating portrait of the Manor and its inhabitants. Perusing it, readers can marvel at the architecture and interior decor, wander through the romantic gardens, enjoy the renowned collections of superb English portraits, Dutch Old Masters, and exquisite furniture and textiles—and bask in le style Rothschild.
Customer Reviews:
Rothschild Elegance.......2005-05-03
This book is wonderfully put together. The photos are vivid and the history of the house is facinating. This is truely a grand English Estate, even if done in the french style usually favored by the Rothschilds. This first family of banking always lived in the most amazing homes, like the home of the U.S. ambassador to France and the Rothschild estate in the south of France. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves European elegance; just a beautiful book. Now if someone would just do a book on Felieres, outside Paris, the ultimate Rothchild grand estate.
Outstanding.......2003-09-30
For anyone interested in beautiful things, especially houses, I highly recommend this book. It is very informative and gives a lot of insight into the Rothschild family. I loved the pictures of which are beautifully shot. I also believe that the price range is very good considering it is a great book to own and of the finest quality. I have read it thoroughly many times and it does not come apart ike other books that I have.
An incredible tour through culture, time, & architecture.......2002-05-18
Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage Of A Rothschild House is a gorgeous coffee table book, filled cover to cover with fabulous full-color photographs depicting an extraordinary house in the English countryside near London and its 125-year history. Showcasing romantic gardens, a superb private wine cellar, a wondrous aviary and much, much more, Waddesdon Manor is an incredible tour through culture, time, architecture, and interior design. The detailed text, drawing from previously unpublished research, memoirs, family and retainer reminiscences, takes the reader on a step by step tour through rooms and eras alike in this classical volume recommended for students of architectural history.
Customer Reviews:
Nice coffee table book........2007-07-03
For this genre of books, 5 stars. A nice gift for a Bloomsbury fan, but it is only "nice-to-have," not required for one's library.
About time!.......1998-11-23
I agree with the previous reader, this is it ... the definitive book on Charleston Farmhouse. Although I think this book is more than a glimpse of the house and garden for those unable to visit, it is a surperb reference for those of us that have visited and wish to recall the house, etc. The photography is stunning, the text is informative. A worthwhile addition to any Bloomsbury book collection.
living bloomsbury - the definitive book on charleston.......1998-09-01
i stumbled across this book on a beautiful indian summer sunday afternoon....it is a treasure for those unable to physically saunter through the rooms and out to the walled garden that is charleston. all photos in colour, all rooms as they were when vanessa bell, duncan grant, family and friends lived and worked there. inspirational.
Book Description
Swimming pool owners worldwide should rejoice as this unique 128-page catalog presents the newest, boldest and most beautiful pool house designs from leading registered architects. The catalog features 58 full-page renderings of pool house and garden house exteriors, along with corresponding floor plans for each to show space utilization and amenities provided. Also featured are five charming summerhouses from England. This section is beautifully photographed and offers an opportunity to obtain the perfect adornment for an English-style garden. The collection covers a broad range of styles and sizes so that a pool house or a garden house design can be selected to meet the requirements of almost any type of property and budget. An especially important aspect of the catalog is that the company offers a complete set of architectural plans for each pool house and garden house illustrated. The detailed building plans, which may be ordered by phone or by use of an order form provided in the back of the catalog, include architectural plans and elevations, so that each pool house and garden house can be built exactly the way it appears. While eight of the designs in the catalog are specifically designated garden houses, many of the pool house designs can be easily converted to garden houses, thereby increasing the variety of choices.
Customer Reviews:
TOTAL RIP OFF!!!.......2007-05-14
This book was a total rip off! The title does not lend way to the contents. It had nothing I was looking for. It was poorly bound and it fell apart at the spine the 2nd day I had it!!! Huge Waste Of Money!!!
Nice book, questionable designs.......2003-02-28
I will be returning this book. As a licensed professional landscape architect, I find the proportions and design qualities lacking in most of the proposed designs. The designs depict what I would expect to buy from a mass merchandising home center, not such a highly acclaimed book. I was very disappointed. Content aside, the book was nice. I believe actual photographs might have helped tremendously.
Dissapointed.......2002-10-10
The book is nice but didn't have what we needed. We are looking for a plan for a corner pool house big enough to accomodate a billiard table and there is nothing like that in the book. Also, the exteriors are mostly too contemporary, nothing that would blend with our brick Georgian home. In a word, DISSAPOINTED. Had I seen the book at a bookstore, I would not have bought it.
Nice book.......2002-09-10
I was looking for design ideas/plans. This one has nice ideas but it is a book in which you can then proceed to order plans. Not what I was looking for. I was looking for ideas, measurements, planning etc..that sort of thing. If that is what you are looking for this book would not be the right fit for you.
Nice book.......2002-09-10
I was looking for design ideas/plans. This one has nice ideas but it is a book in which you can then proceed to order plans. Not what I was looking for. I was looking for ideas, measurements, planning etc..that sort of thing. If that is what you are looking for this book would not be the right fit for you.
Customer Reviews:
S, Kemp on Devonshir's Chatsworth.......2007-06-08
If you saw the Chatsworth exhibit which visited the Tyler, Texas museum, you will find this book greatly enhances your perspective. Although my daughter bought me the DVD from the exhibit, this book gave me much more indepth. I highly recommend it and, as always, Amazon has the very best price!!
ENGLISH BEAUTY.......2006-03-11
This is may not be the largest of the great English estates, but I'm not sure there is one more beautiful or better realized. This house is a stunner and what makes this book all the more interesting is that one of the authors is the duchess herself. This images are wonderful, they are crisp and vivid. It is said that Jane Austen considered this the most beautiful house in England and thumbing through this book it's hard to argue. Really a beautiful book perfectly realized.
One of the most perfect 'Country House' books ever.......2005-08-20
There is no shortage of books on English country houses, but books dedicated in their totality to one single house are surprisingly rare (and those that do exist do not necessarily cover the most obvious houses - there are books on Tyntesfield, Clouds, and Waddesdon Manor, but none on Blenheim Palace, Wilton House or Castle Howard. A book on Holkham Hall is in the making, though). Some books that discuss a greater number of houses are quite excellent (e.g., Great Houses of England and Wales by Hugh Montgomery-Massingbird), but it is hard not to feel shortchanged when a house as rich as Chatsworth is delt with in just a handful of pages. Here is the better alternative. I have collected a great many books on english country house history over the years, but this is certainly one of the most beautiful and satisfying of them all. Everything about it is right.
Chatsworth was already a tourist magnet in Jane Austen's days, and very much remains so today. Sequestered in its gorgeous green valley, it is the quintessential 'great house' in the quintessential English landscape. This book must be the next best thing to an actual visit; in fact, in some ways it may be better, for how many visitors enjoy the pleasure of being shown around by the Duchess of Devonshire herself? And a pleasure it is. The texts are immediately involving, due to their well-balanced mix of (art)history, anecdote, wit and personal recollections and reflections. Family, staff, and visitors all feature in the biography of a place that is very much alive, even though its maintenance poses daunting challenges. Never pompous, the lively, at times delightfully tongue-in-cheek style of the Duchess's writing betrays that she stems from a literary family (she is the sister of Nancy Mitford). Her undisguised great love of the place adds yet more charm.
The other glory, of course, is Simon Upton's photography, which is simply dazzling. All rooms of interest, both in the public route and the private appartments of the Devonshires, are illustrated in large, full colour images, as well as many decorative details, paintings, and several 'downstairs' spaces. In all, they provide fascinating insight into the workings and riches of a very large house like this one. Be aware, though, that the book details the interior only. For views of the house and the gardens you will have to get the equally alluring 'The Gardens at Chatsworth' by the same author (and as I gather, a book about the estate as a whole is forthcoming, so Chatsworthites can rejoice....).
To the Manor Born.............2002-11-13
Fabulous and delightful. A wonderful book with terrific pictures. The Duchess writes with wit and charm. I find this book a delight to pick up and just browse and enjoy. A objective but candid look at living in and maintaining a national and family treasure (not to mention coping with a couple of centuries of collecting and interior decorating!).
Book Description
In WWII England, the quiet village of Sitting Marsh is faced with food rations and fear for loved ones. Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton, lady of the Manor House and respected guardian of the village, knows she shouldn't be entertaining impure thoughts about Major Earl Monroe - especially with resentment against the Yanks building. But she can't help it - until she finds herself distracted by the mysterious deaths of four American servicemen.
Customer Reviews:
Berried alive.......2005-10-15
I have read all the other books in this series and enjoyed them. This I didn't think was quite up to par.
Maybe it's because she is coming to the end of this series?
I will be sorry to see these end as I have generally liked these books.
Manor House cancelled by the publisher!.......2005-05-28
I love the Manor House series, I actually have the last two that I haven't read yet, so I will have something delightful to look forward to. I do this with the Daisy Dalyrimple, post WWI series as well.
This is set during WWII in a village in England, where all must cope with boisterous Yanks, food rationing and the inevitable murderer in their midst. Lady Elizabeth and Major Monroe's attraction for one another is understated. The villagers, especially the tyrannical Rita Crumm and her womens group are always amusing. I will truly miss this series when the last two books are released.
If Kate writes it, buy it!.......2004-10-29
This series as well as her Pennyfoot Hotel series is (and I hate this word) awesome. I have never read a complete series before I found the two of these, now I have read both...you will not be disappointed. It (they) may take place in Edwardian and war time England, but the characters are so 'today'. And, get this. I sent an e-mail to Mrs. Kingsbury, which she actually answered. One of her secrets to success is a much younger husband! She is just a delightful person. She writes good, clean, interesting mysteries. Plus, a bonus: she is also writing under another name...but this time romances!
Brits and Yanks at war.......2004-08-14
As others have said, I really like this series more for the depiction of life in a British village during WWII than for the mysteries themselves. There are some very good continuing characters: young girls, bumbling village constables, the American soldiers - plus a right old rip-roaring boo-hiss village harridan whom I love to hate!
And of course there are Lady Elizabeth, her faithful household retainers, and the handsome US officer in whose presence Lady E practically gives off sparks, heh, heh...
I guessed the solution to the murder pretty early on but still enjoyed the book because I wanted to know what happened to the characters.
More drama/soap opera than mystery.......2004-07-11
Which is not necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy this series but more for the descriptions of WWII British life than for the mysteries which are usually quite cookie-cutter and simple to figure out.
In this entry, Elizabeth is helping Major Earl Monroe with the mystery of four redheaded soldiers who have been poisoned. There are a few suspects from which to choose, making it fun to guess which is the guilty party.
More interesting, Elizabeth and Earl come closer to admitting their feelings for one another. Polly is still trying to get back into the good graces of soldier Sam, to whom she lied about her age.
The book ends with two cliffhangers, causing me to look forward to the next book in the series.
Books:
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- Farmer Boy (Little House)
- Fire Places: A Practical Design Guide to Fireplaces and Stoves Indoors and Out
- Front Porch Tales (Large Print Edition)
- Hideaway
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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