Customer Reviews

Havana: History and Architecture of a Romantic City

5 star:		(9)
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Truly a unique and memorable book. I own many books on Cuba, but this book is exceptional. As Maria Luisa's book provides us with in-depth historical and architectural background accompanied by impressive photography, she also delights us with her memories of sound, sight, smell and far away world of her childhood which comes alive for all readers, but specially those who lived in the beautiful island of Cuba. It is a treasure for our Cuban heritage and a beautiful addition to anyone's library. A friend, relative and admirer from Miami, Florida

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BUY A BOOK ON LA HABANA THIS IS IT !!!!!!! IT IS MOST INFORMATIVE AND THE PHOTOS ARE THE BEST. BEING CUBAN I HAVE BOUGHT ALMOST EVERY BOOK WRITTEN ABOUT CUBA AND THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE - THE BEST.

Unlike other reviewers, I have no link with Cuba and I have never been to Havana, but this book made me want to go there. It was given to me as a present. Since then, I have bought two copies for friends. The photographs are as beautiful as the writing. A really special book.

Very accurate and beautiful description and pictures of old Havana. I would like to buy in Spanish from you if available. I have seen it and read it in English but would like to keep it in Spanish. It brings back many pleasant memories of my youth and since Spanish and Cuban is my origen would like to keep it in my native language. Thank you. Pls adv.

The only review that does justice to this book were the Author's own words, in an interview, when asked about her country, and she said:

"Tengo una passion enfermiza para mi pais" Or " I have an incurable passion for my country"

The book does justice to her words and is the definitive book on the market on Cuba and her Architecture. It is in a class by itself, as was her author. A friend and admirer

This is an outstanding stroll down memory lane for so many of us Cubans who remember the old Havana. It is also a book that engenders a certain sadness for those of us that know the squalor and deterioration that now exists in the pearl of the Caribbean.

How exquisitely appropriate it is that the late Maria Luisa Lobo Montalvo, daughter of one of the titans of the Cuban sugar industry, had this dream and that her family helped bring it to fruition.

I have a large collection of books on Cuba and this is by far the best. It is the most beautiful book in my library and is masterfully well done. This book also remains politically neutral which is quite an accomplishment. If you are sick of looking for good books on Cuba only to end up getting the slant of the Cuban government even in photography books, you will enjoy this one. This appears to be the culmination of a lifetime of work for Montalvo. If you only intend to buy one book on Cuba, this is the one. If you only intend to buy one book this year, make it this one.

Beautiful pictures and writing. The author loves the city and shows it in this book. Makes one want to go there as soon as we "free" U.S. citizens are allowed to. I just hope the actual city lives up to the pictures..

Nothing else comes close to capturing the memory of a city that was both magic and majestic and so full of charm and elegant architecture. The photographs are masterful, but what comes through most vividly is the fact that you are seeing it captured with respect and love through the eyes of a lady who always carried it in her heart. She has created a gift for generations of, not only Cubans, but travelers, architects, and historians. Thank you, Maria Luisa.