Caribbean Elegance [Hardcover]

Michael Connors (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

This will be a gorgeous, heavily illustrated book on the uniquely refined and aristocratic style of living that has flourished on the islands of the Caribbean from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. The book will be organized by related island groups: the French Islands (Martinique and Guadaloupe); the Dutch Islands (Aruba, Bonnaire, and Curacao); the Spanish islands (Cuba, Santo Domingo); the English islands (Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia); and the Danish islands (St. Thomas, St. John, Ste. Croix). The text will explore not only the beauty of the landscape, the houses, and the works of art and furniture, but also something of the historical background and the manner of life in the islands.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Connors, a West Indian decorative arts scholar, presents a comprehensive guide to the development of West Indian furniture and its makers during the colonial era. Detailing the historical and sociological influences at play, he shows how each island's furniture began by reflecting the styles of the various ruling countries (England, Holland, Spain, Denmark, or France) and later evolved into a uniquely Caribbean style as the islands' furniture makers, who were primarily African slaves, began to develop their skills and incorporate African decorative motifs into their designs. Use of the islands' hardwoods, such as mahogany, and the prevalence of items best suited to the climate, such as caned rockers, four-poster beds, and armoires, further defined the style. Numerous color photographs show the furniture in historic buildings. Connors's book is highly recommended for academic, professional, and large interior design collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; First Edition first Printing edition (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810910098
• ISBN-13: 978-0810910096
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #481,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Style

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The real thing, May 29, 2002

By 

Marc Mandon (Asheville, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caribbean Elegance (Hardcover)

After having lived in the Caribbean islands for fifteen years I can say that this book really captures the easy yet refined feel of the fine local furniture, as well as the homes. I think most people think of beach shacks being down there, and don't realize how the local craftsman have perfected their art over the centuries. It's a pleasure to see once again the graceful native mahogany furniture, and the lovely homes open to the trade winds. Mr. Connors has captured the island ambiance, and explains in an easily understandable manner some of the reasons the local art forms developed as they did in relationship to their surroundings.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Realism, November 18, 2003

By 

Ellen Gagen (Eureka, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caribbean Elegance (Hardcover)

Reading this book is like being invited to an elegant house party in the Caribbean. You then enter a world of magical realism, in which you sit in the veranda of an 18th century "Great House" with beautiful ocean views, and your pick of antique "planters' chairs," with cool drinks waiting on a "cupping table." You listen to tales of planters and merchants, of sugar cane fields and slaves turned artisans. The material culture of the Caribbean is presented here, seen through the lens of historical events, the experiences of the wealthy and those who served them. You learn wonderful details about the subtle differences of styles on the Spanish, Dutch, English, French and Danish islands. The photographs are beautiful and range from vistas to architecture to furniture and their details. It is also a very scholarly work, of interest to anyone who loves antiques, craftsmanship, history and the Caribbean.
This book is truly an experience you can come back to again and again, and discover something new (or old...).

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Helpful, June 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Caribbean Elegance (Hardcover)

Doing research for island living and furniture, for clients here in the Bay Area, I found this book extremely helpful. Mr. Connors kept me reading, wanting to understand more of that wonderful period. Mr. Buck's photos were exquisite. Through both of their works, the understanding I received regarding that period of time in the Caribbean was and will be very useful to me. Thank you both.