Historic Houses of South Africa [Hardcover]

Graham Viney (Author), Alain Proust (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997

Specially commissioned photographs and lively text capture the spirit of 23 of South Africa's grandest houses, following a timeline of social and cultural development. Authoritative text brings to life the spirit of the houses, along with their builders and occupantsfrom Dutch East India Company merchants and English aristocrats to 19th-century sugar barons and diamond magnates. 337 illustrations. 237 in full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This work's stylish photographs of dazzling whitewashed exteriors, expansive colonnaded verandas, drawing rooms richly appointed with statuary and exotic fauna and flora, and teak-paneled billiard rooms evoke a colonial lifestyle sustained in South Africa through most of the 20th century. Twenty-three eclectic estates (primarily in Cape Dutch, Georgian, Regency, and Victorian design) are featured in this lavish tome, a collaboration between a Cape Town restorationist and a local photographer. The story of each house's ownership and occupancy, construction, restorations, furnishings, and period details is complemented by historic photographs and research gleaned from family archives. A glossary of terms and a bibliography complete this showcase tour of vernacular colonial architecture that was first published in South Africa in 1987. Of interest to informed lay readers and specialists alike, this is recommended for larger academic libraries and architecture and interior design collections.?Russell T. Clement, Univ. of Tennessee Lib., Knoxville
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This lavishly illustrated and beautifully designed volume takes readers on a tour of 23 of South Africa's grandest homes. . . . [T]his is a rare chance to visit extraordinary homes in glorious natural settings. -- Victorian Decorating & Lifestyle, 9/97

[A] comprehensive exploration of the country's architectural legacy. . . . The houses and their beautiful furnishings and lush grounds present an insight into the lavish times in which they were built, as well as the personalities of the builders and occupants. -- Antiques & Auction News, 5/16/97

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Abbeville Press; 1st edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789203065
• ISBN-13: 978-0789203069
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,349,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SOUTH AFRICA, February 5, 2007

By 

Shannon Deason (Houston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Historic Houses of South Africa (Hardcover)

I have always had a fascination with South Africa, it seems so beautiful and exotic; the Horn of Africa. This is a gorgeous book and the estates are amazing. The text is highly informative and the images just jump off the page. I love the way the Europeans take their native architecture, then comform it to the elements of Africa. Looking at these houses, it's easy to forget the injustices inflicted on the indigenous people, this breathtaking country is God willing on the way to healing, thank you Mandela.