Majorelle (Small Books of Great Gardens) [Hardcover]

Madison Cox (Author)

Book Description

Series: Small Books of Great Gardens | Publication Date: November 1, 1999

The Majorelle Gardens of Marrakech were laid out in the 1920s by Louis Majorelle, the French decorator, architect and painter renowned for his participation in both the art nouveau and art deco movements. He gave his name to the shade of blue lavishly used to paint the house and ornament the garden decoration. The site has been restored and replanted by the designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge in the vibrant primary colours of the original, to which they have added their personal touch. This manual explores the Gardens through photographs and text, and includes garden maps, plant lists and practical information on visiting times and best seasons.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These four exquisite books launch a new series profiling famous gardens, including the Islamic water gardens of Spain's Alhambra; Ninfa, a romantic garden laid out in the ruins of a medieval village 45 miles southeast of Rome; the tropical Moroccan gardens of Majorelle, laid out in the 1920s by French artist Louis Majorelle and now owned by Yves St. Laurent and partner Berg?; and the fairy-tale setting of Apremont, in which a towered castle rises over a flower-filled medieval village on the bank of the Allier River. Each of these little books (6" x 9") relates the history of the region and garden spot and the construction of the garden and includes over 100 color photographs, many double- page spreads. The stunning photography is by noted garden photographer de Virieu, the texts by individuals who know and love the featured garden. All the gardens are open to the public, and each book contains visitor information and garden layouts. Despite a few flaws (the small print in the captions is difficult to read, and Alhambra had a messy word-processing mix-up that wasn't caught), these breathtakingly lovely books make a wonderful introduction for anyone who plans to visit these gardens. Highly recommended for garden or travel collections.ACarol Cubberley, Univ. of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500019762
• ISBN-13: 978-0500019764
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,510,321 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 Majorelle A Moroccan Oasis, April 29, 2001

By 

Lynn D. Westfall (Tallula, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Majorelle: A Moroccan Oasis (Small Books of Great Gardens) (Hardcover)

The quality of the photography is unsurpassed. The color is magnificent! Anyone who enjoys books, gardens, Morocco, or the color blue (Majorelle Blue) will love this book.

MAJORELLE tells the history of the gardens in Marrakesh, first laid out by Louis Majorelle in the 1920's. The beautiful shade of blue that is used throughout the gardens, in the tile work, the paint, the walkways, the ponds and the plants and flowers themselves, was the start of the term "Majorelle Blue". The grounds are now owned by Yves Saint Laurent and are open for tours.

The back of the book shows the layout of the gardens, old photos of Marrakesh, the interior of the salon in Majorelle's villa and a photo of Majorelle, himself.

The small size of this book gives it an added preciousness that makes it a great choice for gift giving.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Majorelle, June 9, 2010

By 

Robert D. Volk (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Majorelle: A Moroccan Oasis (Small Books of Great Gardens) (Hardcover)

The seller was very responsible and easy to deal with. The original package arrived but the book had somehow been removed during shipment. I reported this loss to the local Post Office and the seller.

The seller immediately sent a second package with a new copy of the book in excellent condition. I am very impressed with the integrity of the seller.