Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage of a Rothschild House [Hardcover]

Michael Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

More than 125 years ago, Baron Ferdinand Rothschild transformed a barren hill in the countryside outside London into the setting for an astonishing French Renaissance–style chateau that remains one of the most extraordinary houses in all of England. Bequeathed to Britain's National Trust in 1957, Waddesdon Manor and its spectacular gardens are now open to the public, welcoming more and more visitors every year.

Illustrated with specially commissioned photographs and unpublished historical material, this book provides a fascinating portrait of the Manor and its inhabitants. Perusing it, readers can marvel at the architecture and interior decor, wander through the romantic gardens, enjoy the renowned collections of superb English portraits, Dutch Old Masters, and exquisite furniture and textiles—and bask in le style Rothschild.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Waddesdon Manor was built in the last quarter of the 19th century, when Britain was at the height of its power. The home of Baron Ferdinand Rothschild, it is a magnificent French chateau in Buckinghamshire, near London, and it houses one of the finest collections of 18th-century French furniture to be found anywhere. Waddesdon is indeed one of the finest houses in England and remained in the family until it was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1957, which has maintained it in its original splendor. This volume by Hall, a deputy editor of Country Life magazine and author of The English Country House, traces the family of Ferdinand Rothschild, then describes the planning and building of this house and its gardens in rich detail. The volume is also a social history of one family and offers a vivid picture of the lives of the very rich in Victorian and Edwardian England. The narrative is clear and carefully researched, and the photographs are first class the number of illustrations is surprising in a volume so well priced. This volume deserves to be in most history and architecture collections. Martin Chasin, Adult Inst., Bridgeport, CT
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Michael Hall is editor of 'Apollo Magazine', ex Deputy Editor of 'Country Life' and author of 'The English Country House: From the Archives of Country Life 1897-1939'. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810932393
• ISBN-13: 978-0810932395
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 10.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,431,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible tour through culture, time, & architecture, May 17, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage of a Rothschild House (Hardcover)

Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage Of A Rothschild House is a gorgeous coffee table book, filled cover to cover with fabulous full-color photographs depicting an extraordinary house in the English countryside near London and its 125-year history. Showcasing romantic gardens, a superb private wine cellar, a wondrous aviary and much, much more, Waddesdon Manor is an incredible tour through culture, time, architecture, and interior design. The detailed text, drawing from previously unpublished research, memoirs, family and retainer reminiscences, takes the reader on a step by step tour through rooms and eras alike in this classical volume recommended for students of architectural history.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, September 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage of a Rothschild House (Hardcover)

For anyone interested in beautiful things, especially houses, I highly recommend this book. It is very informative and gives a lot of insight into the Rothschild family. I loved the pictures of which are beautifully shot. I also believe that the price range is very good considering it is a great book to own and of the finest quality. I have read it thoroughly many times and it does not come apart ike other books that I have.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rothschild Elegance, May 2, 2005

By 

Shannon Deason (Houston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Waddesdon Manor: The Heritage of a Rothschild House (Hardcover)

This book is wonderfully put together. The photos are vivid and the history of the house is facinating. This is truely a grand English Estate, even if done in the french style usually favored by the Rothschilds. This first family of banking always lived in the most amazing homes, like the home of the U.S. ambassador to France and the Rothschild estate in the south of France. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves European elegance; just a beautiful book. Now if someone would just do a book on Felieres, outside Paris, the ultimate Rothchild grand estate.