The Houses of Old Cuba [Paperback]

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

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2001

"A book of great beauty, a picture of Cuba today seen only by Cubans."—Islands Magazine

From the indigenous simple huts known as bohios to sumptuous neoclassical villas, from the grand palaces of the Spanish occupation to luxurious quintas or country mansions, all the secrets and enchantments of Cuban life, past and present, remain intact today in the city of Havana, in the towns of Trinidad, Camaguey, and Santiago de Cuba, and in the countryside. This superbly illustrated book reveals a Cuban architectural heritage that is often ignored or hidden from the view of visitors to the island.

Drawing upon local archives, museum records, memoirs, diaries, and other native sources, Llilian Llanes describes Cuba's architectural history from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. The evolution of Cuban architecture, influenced by climate and by social conditions, parallels the cultural, political, and economic history of the island, and the houses and their decoration reflect periods of greater or lesser prosperity, as well as social inequalities. 168 color illustrations.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

An eclectic tropical architecture of remarkable character. -- Choice

Celebrates Cuba's history through its distinctive architecture. -- Miami Herald

The most impressive architecture in the Antilles...a book of great beauty. -- Islands

[R]uns the gamut from the island's famous Baroque cathedral to simple dwellings found throughout the country. -- Elle Décor, November 1999

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (April 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500282722
• ISBN-13: 978-0500282724
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #476,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #77 in Books > Travel > Caribbean > Cuba

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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.