Neuschwanstein (Opus 33) [Hardcover]

Gottfried Knapp (Author), Achim Bunz (Author)

Book Description

Series: Opus | Publication Date: December 13, 1999

One and a half million visitors a year can't be wrong! For them, the royal castle at Neuschwanstein in Bavaria is the pinnacle of every dreamer's arhcitectural fairy-tale. Never before have the charms of the natural surroundings been used so effectively to create an overall architectural picture, nor have historical forms been charged with so much meaning.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: German, English

About the Author

Gottfried Knapp is responsible for architectural reporting as cultural editor of the Suddeutsche Zeitung in Munich. He has written on contemporary architecture and urban development in almost all the specialist publications in Germany. Achim Bunz studied at the Staatliche Fachakademie fur Fotodesign in Munich and has been working as an architectural photographer for more than 10 years. His photographs have been published in many periodicals and books including the book Gebaute Traume. Die Schlosser Ludwigs II. von Bayern by Michael Petzet, published in 1995 by Hirmer Verlag in Munich.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 60 pages
• Publisher: Axel Menges (December 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3930698331
• ISBN-13: 978-3930698332
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 11.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #563,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Neuschwanstein - 1999, January 30, 2000

By 

Gerald M. Emery (East Peoria, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Neuschwanstein (Opus 33) (Hardcover)

An excellant presentation of the castle. The first part of the book is narrative (both English and German) relating to design and construction, including the various architectural styles that co-exist. I found some of the architectural comparisons difficult to follow. This section also details King Ludwig's constant demands for design changes, and advanced construction technologies necessary to create this Baravian wonder. Following this are plan views identifying all buildings and rooms of the castle. The remainder has surpurb photographs showing the exterior from several directions and in different seasons and interior photos presenting all major rooms as well as many areas not available to tourists, such as the unfinished second floor.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you just can't get enough of Castle Neuschwanstein..., February 14, 2002

By 

Michael J. Kissimmee (Kissimmee, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Neuschwanstein (Opus 33) (Hardcover)

Yes, I know you have seen many pictures of the castle before, but this book is like a collection of the different views and during different seasons. I've never seen more idylic settings for a castle than in the pages of this book. The picture taken in the winter with a dusting of snow blanketing the landscape is incredibly dream-like. It evokes thoughts of fairy tales & fantasy.

The book does have floorplans of the castle all on one page that include three levels of the building. I would think there are more levels & plans, but perhaps that is all that was allowed to display to the public.

I'm glad I got the book because I have visited the castle and it is one of my all-time favorites. However, I rate it only 4 stars because it is a steep price to pay (over $40) for only 60 pages.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When Do We Book Our Next Trip?, September 22, 2008

By 

O. Marie "Stargoddess7" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Neuschwanstein (Opus 33) (Hardcover)

This is a lovely book. Why not buy it on Amazon? You are not going to find anything like this book on Schloss Neuschwanstein; if you love the castle as much as I do, then the book is a must-have. Presentation is fairly simple with both German and English translations. Many of the photos are done in black and white, simply to show the contrast of design going on in what are incomplete rooms. You still get all the wonderful colorful images you need to be satisfied. I am so ready to go!

This book covers the history of King Ludwig II and his family, as well as touches a little on the history of the Schwangau Knights who once inhabited this area in ancient times. See that cute little castle in the background? That is Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig grew up. Neuschwanstein is built on the excavated ruins of an older, ancient castle, from the times of the Schwangau. This book answers all the important questions and details you want... (Such as - if you are standing in the King's bedroom, the first thing you wonder is - "Did the King have to use a bed-pan?" You will have to get the book!) ; )

But I love the photo gallery, as it leaves so much to the imagination. On one hand, it is very sad that this castle was not completed inside... I feel the King was living WAY-ahead of his time! I love that he was a visionary, and therefore, I believe he was someone who was thinking about the future of this country as the castle was being designed. I love that this is one of the most modern castles in existence, inspiring everyone who sees it. So many photos of the empty rooms leave much to your imagination. Are there any coincidences? I love that the King's intention was to create a temple for his friends... I feel everyone who loves this castle resonates with those sentiments, and can appreciate what a visit to Neuschwanstein can offer at any time of the year. I love what this castle looks like in every season. I love how every aspect of the castle was thoughtfully constructed, starting with the actual location with it lush trees, wildlife and the view around it... I love the the color schemes, the star-spangled ceilings, the mixtures of religious, pagan and nature art themes in the paintings and views from the inside. I love the layout of the buildings and towers.

You have to be in love with love to love Neuschwanstein! I love to imagine it all lit-up at night, with the full moon... How lucky the spirits are that live there! I am sure my spirit is among them!