Customer Reviews

Magnificent Miniatures: Inspiration and Technique for Grand Houses on a Small Scale

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
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As a long-time collector and miniature craftsman, my collection of books on miniaturiana is extensive, so I think twice or three times before adding another volume. Thank goodness I was tempted by Mulvany's reputation, and purchased this! I saved it to read on a flight to South Florida, and in flight happened upon a reference in the book's wonderful bibliography to the effect that several of these incredible rooms were currently on loan to the Naples (Florida) Museum of Art. Went the next day, and the exhibit was breathtaking. But the photography in this book is so clear, so well-staged, that one can actually see more details in the photos than from the actual exhibit. The quality of the paperstock and the photography make it worth twice its cost. An added bonus is that within each chapter, Mulvany presents a do-able high-quality project.

When this book arrived, I didn't actually pick it up and take a look until a couple of days later...and then I stayed up all night reading over it and looking at the gorgeous pictures! I couldn't put it down!! The author's really do take the art of miniatures to a higher level! Their work is so finely detailed, I have a hard time believing these are even done in miniature. If it weren't for the 'fruit and tea cups', one would think the photos are actually interiors of the real homes...er, palaces...they were duplicating! In fact, in my opinion, it's actually the fruit and tea cups...and let us not forget about the egg...that look as if they are the reproduced pieces dropped into the rooms on a much larger scale. Truly, these houses are exquisite, and the artists who made them are the most talented I have ever seen. The painstaking attention they have put into every room is quite apparant. And I love the fact that they give you some 'how-to' information for those of us who wouldn't know where to begin, otherwise. As a newbie miniaturist, and wanting to make my first house as true-to-life as possible, I received many wonderful tips and ideas to achieve my goals. In fact, the parquet floor pattern and instructions they included for their model of Versaille is exactly what I am going to do in my own dollhouse! I have already ordered the wood and can't wait for it to arrive!! Thank you for sharing your inspiring work, Kevin Mulvany & Susie Rogers! While I can't expect to ever achieve your level of mastery...it certainly makes me want to try!

This book is one of my new favorites covering miniatures. The work is exquisite, beautifully finished and full of wonderful ideas to incorporate in your own miniature collection. The dedication and talent it take to achieve these masterpieces is awe inspiring. I would be thrilled to have created even one room pictured in this book. The authors are very generous in sharing their knowledge; it's delightful reading, to boot, written with humor and wit. This is one purchase you won't regret; it's worth every penny!

This book is magical!! What the two authors have achieved in this field is astounding and so inspirational that you'll want to get involved in collecting your own miniatures. Although nothing quite so grand as those depicted in "Magnificent Miniatures". Breathtaking commissions that you will find difficult to accept as being only 1/12th in scale. You will believe you are looking at the actual Grand Houses. A superb book in every way. Treat yourself!!

The photographs are all in color and many are close-up showing a lot of detail. The dollhouses and room boxes were all created by an English husband/wife team who were commisioned by people to build particular houses, often modeled after well-known, actual houses/palaces. The quality is fantastic. Often times, you wouldn't know you were looking at pictures of miniatures if you didn't know what book you were looking at. After looking at the pictures in this book, I looked at my two dollhouses and they look a bit more "home made" than they used to! Oh well! There is a colonial house near the end of the book that I would love to live in. But I don't think the builders do life-size houses! This is a beautiful book to look at and the text is easy to read and informative. This is one I will enjoy looking at again and again.

I must have read reviews too quickly as I expected more "how to" kinds of things. The book is a sit and read book, spectacular photos and unbelievable detail. In that regard the book is amazing. For the do-it-your-self struggling miniaturist.....well, these folks are at the top of their field. Even if they showed me in great detail on how to create these kind of works of art I wouldn't be able to do accomplish the task. These are just too amazing.

This will be a valuable reference book when desigining and creating my miniature rooms. Beautiful color pictures.

Very good book and excellent photos. I know that they put the fruit and teacups to show scale but I would have preferred that they left those out.

this book is magnificient, as mentioned in the title.
Two knoledgeable artists are sharig their secrets.
I got many inspirations....