Italia: The Art of Living Italian Style [Hardcover]

Edmund Howard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1996

For over two thousand years, Italy has been a major source of cultural and artistic inspiration to the rest of the world. This book focuses on the most characteristic examples of the Italian genius, from lavish piazzas and magnificent fountains to Palladian villas and flamboyant Baroque churches.

Within these pages, author Edmund Howard leads readers on a fascinating tour of Italy's most glorious landscapes and architecture. He explores a variety of homes and residences, form a simple farmhouse in Tuscany to majestic town palaces. Also on display here are the lush horticulture and exuberant statuary of Italy's most beautiful gardens. Readers will experience the wealth of striking decoration found in Renaissance facades, wrought-iron gates and balconies, Byzantine mosaics, and sumptuous frescoes.

With three hundred specially commissioned photographs and a series of evocative essays, this book is both a fascinating study of Italy's many treasures as well as an invaluable sourcebook of visual ideas.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Howard's book recognizes the greatness of Italy's art and culture, with a selection of sublime photographs to illuminate masterful interiors; exemplary architecture, gardens, and statuary; and picturesque views of entire towns and outstanding landscapes. Essays expand upon the captivating illustrations; thus Howard offers historical facts, notes the contributions of important artists, and provides fascinating background that serves to enliven images of ancient edifices, sculptures, and decorative elements. This breathtaking compilation is truly a grand tour, and Howard is a superb guide--whether tracing the development of architectural styles or citing and describing fine examples of ironwork, mosaics, villas, and grottoes. A final "visitor's guide" provides an extensive listing to help in planning an itinerary. Alice Joyce

About the Author

The Hon. Edmund Bernard Carlo Howard, CMG, LVO, Commander of the Order of Merit (Italy) has an intimate knowledge of Italy which dates back to his childhood. Growing up, he often stayed with his mother's family in Rome and with English relations in Portofino. After war service as an Intelligence Officer in Italy, Edmund Howard worked at the British Consulate in Turin and later joined the Diplomatic Service at the British Embassy in Rome. He has since maintained a close connection with Italy, principally through his family's involvement with one of the country's great gardens at Ninfa. His previous publications include the award-winning Genoa: History and Art in an Old Seaport.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (September 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312148119
• ISBN-13: 978-0312148119
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #126,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Travel

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Italy as the Marriage of History, Architecture, Gardens, Design, January 22, 2006

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Italia: The Art of Living Italian Style (Hardcover)

ITALIA: THE ART OF LIVING ITALIAN STYLE is a title that may be misleading. This is not a 'decorator's source book' (though it certainly is an indispensable resource of information for any designer of interiors or exteriors!): this is a book rich in the Italian ambience that marries a respect of history in all forms while providing some of the finest photographs of a wide vista of Italian towns and gardens and homes. It is unique in its approach and a most rewarding read as well as a picture tour through Italy.

Edmund Howard utilizes the gifts of photographer Oliver Benn in partnering this leisurely journey through all parts of Italy.The writing and the visuals are equal in quality and when paired as they are here they are inimitable. Howard divides the book into chapters: 'Towns and Landscapes' surveys the various regions from the north (Venice) through Tuscany to the south with Rome and Sicily; 'Architecture' details the forms or buildings as they have developed through centuries; 'Interiors' span the humble with the grand; 'Gardens' are explored in all varieties. Then Howard and Benn swoop down on a chapter titled 'Details': here Doors and Windows, Frescoes, Fountains, Colors, Stonework, and Mosaics are scrutinized with word and image, a point where the reader gains more information about the Italian style than in any other source.

Realizing that the book will seduce many to visit the land of all this beauty, the book closes with a 'Visitor's Guide' which succinctly outlines the most interesting places to see in all of the Italian and Sicilian towns, villages and cities surveyed in this book. This is a photographic feast and a completely entertaining and readable as well as informative book. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book with wonderful insights, September 12, 2010

By 

cath - See all my reviews

This review is from: Italia: The Art of Living Italian Style (Hardcover)

This is a great book if one wants to expand their appreciation of the "fine details" in traditional Italian design.. Gives great ideas as to how to use texture, color and materials to get an authentic look in design=-- both interior and exterior