The Houses of Old Cuba [Hardcover]

Llilian Llanes (Author), Jean-Luc De Laguarigue (Author), Jean-Luc De Laguarigue (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1999

Cuba's unique history has meant that hundreds of magnificent buildings have been preserved, and although many are timeworn and in need of repair, their architectural splendour is still remarkable. Columns and colonades, balconies and courtyards, intricate work in iron and ornately modelled stucco and painted wooden shutters are among the many features characteristic of Cuban architectural style. The interiors and exteriors of beautiful houses and hotels from all over Cuba are presented here in colour illustrations, with an informative text on their heritage.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Llanes, chief curator at the Museo Wilfredo Lam in Havana, and photographer de Laguarigue present a visual survey of the Cuban architectural heritage from the 16th to 19th centuries. Introductory chapters provide an overview of the island of Cuba including discussions of climate and terrain, indigenous people and colonization, and architectural details of the tropics. Color photographs illustrate interior and exterior views of both the homes of the wealthy in Havana and the bohios (cabins built from various kinds of organic materials) of those living in the isolated outlying areas. Close-up details of the courtyards, balconies, galleries, balustrades, grilles, and louvered doors are illustrated while the text explains the development of the architectural features, the houses themselves, and the social life and customs of Cuban daily living. This highly visual presentation of Cuban dwellings is recommended wherever interest warrants.
-Judith Yankielun Lind, Roseland Free P.L., NJ
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

The Houses of Old Cuba documents the country's hybrid architectural character. Though concentrated on houses...the text covers the wider economic, cultural, and social history of Cuba, providing a context for the history of domestic building over the centuries. The photographs similarly capture the larger setting and include images of life in today's Havana and smaller cities strung the length of the island. -- Southern Accents, Philip Morris, December 1999

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500019533
• ISBN-13: 978-0500019535
• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 10 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,498,768 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, beautiful memories., May 11, 2004

By 

LUV 2 READ NJ "nj_mommie" (NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Houses of Old Cuba (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my husband, he was forced to flee Cuba at the age of 5. He has a vast collection of books on Cuba and Cuban-American issues, and this is a very welcomed addition. The photographs are lovely, and when viewed by our Cuban relatives, it brought back lots of memories. Lovely as an art or historical book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Photography, November 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Houses of Old Cuba (Hardcover)

This is a fabulous book with exquisite pictures. The photography is marvelous and it gives the reader an opportunity to see the nice range of architectural styles that can be found in Cuba.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars french version available in www.amazon.fr, February 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Houses of Old Cuba (Hardcover)

both versions of the book, in english and french, are excellent. however, there are some 'minor' differences, for example the cover. there is also a spanish version that shares the french version cover design.