Vietnam Style [Hardcover]

Bertrand De Hartingh (Author), Anna Craven-Smith-Milnes (Author), Luca Invernizzi Tettoni (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2007

Vietnam has long captured the imagination of travelers, both real and armchair. It is an appealing country, filled with natural beauty, tranquil village life and fascinating cities. Vietnam also has an inimitable architectural and interior design style, the product of its rich cultural heritage and the various influences of Chinese, French and other Western colonialism.

Vietnam Style is an exploration of the balancing act between traditional vernacular design and architecture and the outside influences of colonialism. The unusual and striking new design styles created by melding these elements are a true cultural kaleidoscope of Vietnam today. Chinese-style shophouses, temples with Indian influences, Thai-style palaces, French Colonial civic and domestic buildings, and the variety of tribal and native wooden houses present in Vietnam Style offer an intimate look into the vibrant, yet virtually unknown world of modern Vietnamese architecture and design.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the true heart of Vietnam style, as described in the fine photos and thoughtful text, still emanates from the ancient aesthetic and traditions of the Vietnamese people."—Los Angeles Times

"A work of impressive detail and seminal accomplishment, Vietnam Style is very highly recommended."—Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Bertrand de Hartingh holds a Ph.D. in Vietnamese history from the Sorbonne University, Paris, and is a recognized authority on the art, architecture and history of the region.

Anna Craven-Smith-Milne has lived in Vietnam on and off since 1989. Her fascination with Vietnamese architecture and design led her to build her own business, Mekong Merchant.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Periplus Editions; Hardcover with Jacket edition (July 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0794600182
• ISBN-13: 978-0794600181
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #434,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A work of impressive detail and seminal accomplishment, September 1, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vietnam Style (Hardcover)

Superbly enhanced throughout with the simply beautiful color photography of Luca Invernizzi Tettoni, "Vietnam Style" is a co-authored study of Vietnamese history, culture, art, and architecture by Bertrand de Hartingh (a recognized authority on the intricate and complicated cultural history of Vietnam) & Anna Craven-Smith-Milnes (whose fascination with Vietnamese architecture and design led to the founding of her own business, Mekong Merchant). With special attention to elements of interior design, "Vietnam Style" is organized into four major sections: Vernacular Styles; The French Legacy; Modern Times; and Contemporary Design & Crafts. From temples and pagodas, to residences and rooms, to furniture, baskets, lights, embroidery, lacquerware, ceramics, and propaganda art, "Vietnam Style" offers informative insights and illustrative examples that wonderfully showcase the diverse contributions that made Vietnam culture and architecture what it is today. A work of impressive detail and seminal accomplishment, "Vietnam Style" is very highly recommended for academic library International Studies, Architectural Studies, Interior Design Studies, and Vietnam History reference collections, and is especially appropriate for non-specialist general readers with an interest in Vietnamese culture.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Missing Piece of South East Asian Architecture, March 7, 2009

By 

Fan Of SE Asian Architecture (TAIPEI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vietnam Style (Hardcover)

The fact that this book exists came as a very pleasant surprise.

Mr Tettoni's photographic skills are a well known to readers of other photoraphic books covering Southeast Asian architectual styles and the photographs in this book definitely will not disappoint his fans.

However, what sets this book apart is the authors' collective ability to tell a story and show us the blending of the indiginous, Chinese and French styles (and provincial variations within Vietnam) and give the reader a window into the unique feel of Vietnamese architecture and its place in the world of tropical architecture (there really are tropical houses in Asia that are not in Bali).

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid and surprising, January 11, 2008

By 

Roser Giner (Barcelona, Catalunya) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vietnam Style (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book and itis surprising that there is a Viêt Nam style ! Beautiful, outstanding and wonderful houses, decoration. I would recommend this book to everybody who loves interiorist, decoration and different home styles.
Splendid gift !!