Italia. The art of living Italian style - Hardcover

Cameron Shaw

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0297832107 ISBN 13: 9780297832102

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 1996

Synopsis

For over two thousand years, Italy has been a major source of cultural and artistic inspiration to the rest of the world. This book focuses on the most characteristic examples of the Italian genius, from lavish piazzas and magnificent fountains to Palladian villas and flamboyant Baroque churches.

Within these pages, author Edmund Howard leads readers on a fascinating tour of Italy's most glorious landscapes and architecture. He explores a variety of homes and residences, form a simple farmhouse in Tuscany to majestic town palaces. Also on display here are the lush horticulture and exuberant statuary of Italy's most beautiful gardens. Readers will experience the wealth of striking decoration found in Renaissance facades, wrought-iron gates and balconies, Byzantine mosaics, and sumptuous frescoes.

With three hundred specially commissioned photographs and a series of evocative essays, this book is both a fascinating study of Italy's many treasures as well as an invaluable sourcebook of visual ideas.

About this title

About the Author:

The Hon. Edmund Bernard Carlo Howard, CMG, LVO, Commander of the Order of Merit (Italy) has an intimate knowledge of Italy which dates back to his childhood. Growing up, he often stayed with his mother's family in Rome and with English relations in Portofino. After war service as an Intelligence Officer in Italy, Edmund Howard worked at the British Consulate in Turin and later joined the Diplomatic Service at the British Embassy in Rome. He has since maintained a close connection with Italy, principally through his family's involvement with one of the country's great gardens at Ninfa. His previous publications include the award-winning Genoa: History and Art in an Old Seaport.

From Booklist:

Howard's book recognizes the greatness of Italy's art and culture, with a selection of sublime photographs to illuminate masterful interiors; exemplary architecture, gardens, and statuary; and picturesque views of entire towns and outstanding landscapes. Essays expand upon the captivating illustrations; thus Howard offers historical facts, notes the contributions of important artists, and provides fascinating background that serves to enliven images of ancient edifices, sculptures, and decorative elements. This breathtaking compilation is truly a grand tour, and Howard is a superb guide--whether tracing the development of architectural styles or citing and describing fine examples of ironwork, mosaics, villas, and grottoes. A final "visitor's guide" provides an extensive listing to help in planning an itinerary. Alice Joyce

About this edition

• Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicholson
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0297832107
• ISBN 13: 9780297832102
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192