TAKING THE WATERS. Spirit. Art. Sensuality.

Croutier, Alev Lytle

ISBN 10: 1558592199 / ISBN 13: 9781558592193

Published by Abbeville Press. New York, NY., 1992

About this Item

FIRST EDITION HARDBACK. Book condition is Near Fine. Dust Jacket is Near Fine. 7.25 x 10.25 Inches in size. 224 numbered pages.

Seller Inventory # 2349

Bibliographic Details

• Title: TAKING THE WATERS. Spirit. Art. Sensuality.
• Publisher: Abbeville Press. New York, NY.
• Publication Date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1558592199
• ISBN 13: 9781558592193
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition. First Printing.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • Water
  • Health Resorts
  • Bathing Customs

About this title

Synopsis

Illustrated with a diverse collection of historic and contemporary artwork, a study of the spiritual and sensual attractions of water traces the evolution of spas from prehistoric times to the present. By the author of Harem.

Reviews

Croutier ( Harem ) visited many of the world's famed spas, including Evian in France and Baden-Baden in Germany. Her tour of watering places from California to Switzerland is the core of this charming, copiously illustrated volume, which accentuates the role of spas as therapeutic havens, hedonistic retreats and oases of artistic creativity. She opens with a look at water's mythical associations; nymphs, mermaids, sacred springs, Venus/Aphrodite and water monsters (like the plesiosaurs said to swim in Loch Ness) get their due. Croutier surveys bottled waters, warns of pollution and global overconsumpton of H2O HO and samples water motifs in art, literature, movies and plays. She devotes short, entertaining sections to water rituals, rainmaking, music inspired by water, dowsing, fountains. Paintings by Botticelli, Klimt, Turner, Degas and Picasso as well as photographs and posters are featured in 140 plates (60 in color). BOMC and QPB selections.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.