Customer Reviews

Versailles

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is THE BEST book there is on Versailles (which is probably why its normally a hundred bucks!) There is only one problem I have ever had with the book and that is the poor physical quality. I had to order it twice because my first copy fell completely apart within a few weeks. Needless to say I was not happy at all when that happened. Every copy that I have seen (in libraries, other bookstores) has the same problem. Normally, I would not have tried again after that, but I HAD to have this book. My second one has also begun to separate from the binding, so I rarely read it... but when I do, I use **EXTREME** care. I think the main reason for this is the size and weight of the book, so if you decide to purchase it, keep that in mind. I recommend turning the pages *slowly* and not leaving it completely flat and/or open for any long period of time. Also, store it horizontally, NOT vertically... the pages are so heavy, they will end up tearing themselves out!

I knew when I first visited Versailles in 1986, that I did not see everything. When I found this book I was floored! It answered all my questions about the social life of Versailles, and gave me a thorough foundation on the history of the French Court. As a lover of historic architecture and garden design, I can honsetly say that this book is a DREAM!!! French Architectural historian Perouse de Montclos brillantly traces the history of Versailles from hunting lodge to this incrediable architectural masterpiece. The photographs are fabulous, the text first rate. My favorite section was the one devoted to the extensive grounds and fountains. If you are a collector of "coffee table" books on architecture, add this one to your collection!!

What an amazing book, it is nothing short of spectacular. The pictures are vivid and the book quality is of the highest caliber. The other reviewer was correct in noting that the reader has to been careful with this book, the pages are so heavy that it will pull from the binding if you are not careful when positioning the book. I have always had a facination with Versailles and this book really captures the chateaux, it makes you feel like you are stolling the gardens and taking in the sumptuous wonders of the palace. Unlike other books on Versailles this one is complete, it covers everything and in striking detail. I urge anyone with any interest in Versailles to buy this book, even used at 200 U.S., it is a bargain. I assure you you will not be disappointed in this book.

I received this book as a present, too add to my building library on books on European monarchy's and this book has quickly become one of my favorites. It is massive and I would recommend setting it on a flat surface, coffee or end table would be best I think.
It is filled with photos of random nooks and crannies within Versailles and of course photos and things we are all familiar with, like the Petit Trianon and all the beautiful fountains or gardens. It also includes a few photos that I find almost haunting or eerie, pathways engulfed in fog you almost expect someone to appear in it.
I think this book would be great for any one who loves beautiful photographs or enjoys all things French.

I will not repeat what many other members very eloquently wrote about this treasure. I am just here to confirm all they say is true. This is perhaps the greatest Versailles book there is. The photos are huge and very vivid. You do not just see some soulless catalog images: you see a true achievement in interior and landscape photography. The colors and the mood, which every single frame here displays, are nothing short of magnificent.

It truly captures the unique and ever-lasting magic of Versailles.

It is huge and heavy, and I, too, store it flat. I feel like it is a very prized book of my collection, and I treat it with the utmost respect that it rightfully deserves. Just like how the authors and the team behind this masterpiece have treated this greatest palace of all times, I too fully cherish its beauty and magnificence.

I highly recommend this book. I visited the Palace of Versailles in July 2008 and, although this book was originally published in 1997 and the pictures are dated compared to today's Palace, the book covers more sections of the Palace than the actual tours do. There are no people in the photos, whereas the tours are crowded and often two or more tours are going on each room as you walk through the Palace, so the book allows you to study the rooms more carefully and in more detail than while you're there among the crowds. The colour photos are amazing and actually show more furniture than are in some of the rooms today.

Without a doubt, the most beautiful and informative book ever on the Palace of Versailles. Architectural history , decorative wonders, sumptuous furniture, this book explores it all! THE BOOK for all lovers of Versailles or eighteenth century French art.

There is a very significant difference between the two books titled Versailles both by Jean-Marie Pérouse de Montclos and Robert Polidori, of the same size (except thickness), and in almost identical dust jackets. The one by Abbeville Press with ISBN 1558592288 has 424 pages, and the other by Artabras with ISBN 0896600521 has only 160 pages.

Versailles is absolutely stunning and absolutely enormous. I visited in July, and got to see just a smidgen of the place's wonders on the standard tour. I had hoped this book would give me insight into the indescribably beautiful paintings, carvings, furniture and gardens I saw. I was bound to be disappointed - the current volume only touches on some of the masterpieces and rooms I saw. But there is so much more to Versailles than tourists never see, and much of it is cataloged in this book. The photos are astounding and carefully crafted. A 13-page introduction summarizes the history of the place. Superb captions describe the gorgeous photos, many taken in flattering morning and evening light. And the grounds--with their fantastical fountains, quiet pools, luscious statuary, noble temples and carefully tended plantings--are beautifully captured, evoking a sense of peace and charm.

Some off-grounds structures like Marie Antoinette's "Hameau," or hamlet and the Belvedere, have their own spreads. Closer to the palace, there are frequent shots of inaccessible workspaces where Versailles' overflow of busts, statuary and even ancient carriages are kept safe.

A Versailles that is open to the public is certainly more palatable than one reserved for a tiny, privileged minority. This volume does justice to the palace, built to satisfy the refined tastes and sensibilities of the few, now spilling its riches and dazzling the eyes of the many.

Great photos and information about a beautiful palace to stir the senses and detailed information that lets you picture what it must have been like to construct and design such a breathtaking marvel. If you have been to Versailles this is a great way to see it again. If you haven't been, it will make you want to see it now. I would give it 5 stars if the price was lower. Its worth the money, and it probably would cost more somewhere else. Still its quite a chunk of change.