The Hamptons: Life Behind the Hedges [Hardcover]

Susan P. Meisel (Author), Ellen Harris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000

This insider's view of the famous Long Island, New York, resort area takes the reader on a tour of some of America's most beautiful private homes, be they mansions or charming bungalows. Readers nationwide will be eager to see the 200 lavish color photographs showing us interiors and exteriors, gardens, pools, and stunning views of beaches and farmlands.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Forget what you may read about the glittering social scene of the Hamptons; in The Hamptons, photographed and described by Susan Meisel and Ellen Harris, we're shown a lush, summery world meant for utter peace and relaxation. From the manicured lawns enclosed by privet hedges to the wide, sandy beaches and gentle surf, the Long Island landscapes shown here are both elegant and wild, extremely modern and utterly traditional.

Focusing on three towns (Sagaponack, Bridgehampton, and Easthampton), the photographs have been divided into chapters based on their content, rather than the area in which they were taken. The variety of architecture is showcased in the "There's No Place Like Home" chapter--it's not every town that encompasses the early Federal and saltbox styles of this country right along with sleek modern styles that have open decks and windows as their focus. A surprisingly practical side of the Hamptons is disclosed in "Field of Dreams," where photos of corn, potatoes, and wheat threshing reveal the down-home roots of this farming community. "For the Love of Blue" provides the perfect pictures to help beachcombers survive gray winter days; the close-up shots of crashing waves and the panoramic views of rocky beaches may well transport you via memory to your own favorite beach.

Each chapter has a page of written introduction, but throughout the book the text is minimal, serving only to provide brief descriptions of the glorious photos. This is exactly as it should be; the photos provide such a feast for the eyes, any additional information would merely detract from their loveliness. --Jill Lightner

Product Details

• Hardcover: 172 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810934310
• ISBN-13: 978-0810934313
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,093,893 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EVERY COFFEE TABLE SHOULD HAVE ONE - FOR ALL TO SEE !!!, September 2, 2000

By 

P.A. Burgdorf (Seattle,WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hamptons: Life Behind the Hedges (Hardcover)

From tag sales to spectacular homes. The photography is true to life. The scenery of flora, ocean landscapes, sunsets and to the history of a town that is small yet so BIG. A delight to see behind the hedges of wonderful homes, decor and art.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just like being there... even better, April 27, 2001

By 

Paul (New york City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hamptons: Life Behind the Hedges (Hardcover)

We live in the city - downtown. We have three children and wish/dream about getting out of town on a weekend and letting the children run and play on the grass in the country or sand on a beach. This book puts you there and without any of the sense of overwhelming and intimidating wealth that would take away from the beauty and feeling the Hamptons can offer. The photos are beautiful and the subjects are different and interesting. I truly do love this book and have given many as gifts to friends from out of town who have heard so much about the east end of the Island but have yet to visit.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a review of "the hamptons", August 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hamptons: Life Behind the Hedges (Hardcover)

The photographs are as close as you can come to capturing the beauty of this place. The book is engaging and entertaining.