Versailles: Absolutism and Harmony [Hardcover]

Jean Pierre Babelon (Author), Claire Constans (Author), Jean Mounicq (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1998

When built, the world of Versailles seemed so grandiose that guides and descriptions appeared from the very first years of its construction. This perfect expression of absolute monarchy, every detail of which was overseen by Lois XIV, became the model for European royal palaces thereafter.Full-color photographs taken throughout the year reflect the beauty of Versailles in all four seasons; included are the newly restored rooms of what were the personal headquarters of the monarch. While stunningly beautiful, this book boasts an important text by the world's leading experts, who introduce new and important scholarship to a subject that remains endlessly fascinating to every visitor to France.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jean Babelon is the General Director of Versailles.Claire Constans is chief curator of the chateau and author of its painting catalog.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 279 pages
• Publisher: Vendome Pr (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2702811256
• ISBN-13: 978-2702811252
• ASIN: 0865651507
• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 10.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,390,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really good!, November 27, 2002

By 

"ssiquoyah" (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Versailles: Absolutism and Harmony (Hardcover)

I bought this book (at full price, I might add) about 2 years ago and I really like it! Besides the great information contained inside, just the physical look and quality of the book is outstanding! Under the dust jacket, the cover is a blue silk and the letters are gold leaf! Best of all, it' shows no telling signs of wear other than the mistake I made of trying to fix the tassle-bookmark - UNLIKE the book by Jean-Marie Perouse de Montclos (so far THE BEST book on Versailles, but now, I believe, out-of-print) which has been falling apart from Day One! This book also has the most detailed plans and drawings of the main parts of the Palace I've seen in any book - which is something I highly value. Yes, there could have been more pictures of the rooms, but the pictures that are included are so well done that you almost don't care... AND they've also included some pictures of the third floor apartments - somewhat of a rarity! So, buy this book... while you still can!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The splendour of Versailles, November 4, 2002

By 

L. Henderson (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Versailles: Absolutism and Harmony (Hardcover)

A beautiful, well documented book on Versailles, photos and drawings were superlative! The text is well laid out, my only complaint is there were not enough photos of the splendid rooms and artworks!!