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Caribbean Elegance
 
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Caribbean Elegance [Hardcover]

Michael Connors (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

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Product Description

From Library Journal

Connors, a West Indian decorative arts scholar, presents a comprehensive guide to the development of West Indian furniture and its makers during the colonial era. Detailing the historical and sociological influences at play, he shows how each island's furniture began by reflecting the styles of the various ruling countries (England, Holland, Spain, Denmark, or France) and later evolved into a uniquely Caribbean style as the islands' furniture makers, who were primarily African slaves, began to develop their skills and incorporate African decorative motifs into their designs. Use of the islands' hardwoods, such as mahogany, and the prevalence of items best suited to the climate, such as caned rockers, four-poster beds, and armoires, further defined the style. Numerous color photographs show the furniture in historic buildings. Connors's book is highly recommended for academic, professional, and large interior design collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description

Here is an exotic interior-design book for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping to a different way of life. The elegant lifestyle, magnificent homes, and varied furniture and decor of the French, Dutch, Spanish, English, and Danish islands of the Caribbean from the late 18th century to the early 20th century are revealed as never before in this sumptuous volume.

With some of the most beautiful tropical islands on earth as a backdrop, dazzling photographs reveal the homes of the sugar barons who made their fortunes there. Tables and beds from St. Thomas and Ste. Croix, armoires and chairs from Martinique, cupboards and chests from the Spanish Antilles, settees and cabinets from the English islands; all are works that combine the grace and opulence of European and North American styles with the vernacular island forms and decorative motifs. These gorgeous examples give the reader a unique view of the casual refinement of aristocratic Caribbean living.

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Customer Reviews

15 Reviews
5 star:
 (14)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.9 out of 5 stars (15 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5.0 out of 5 stars Caribbean Elegance, Jun 17 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Caribbean Elegance (Hardcover)
This book was exactly what I was searching for. Not only is it visually stunning, but it provides a wealth of historical information on Caribbean style and furnishing. A wonderful resource if you want to understand how this very unique style of interior design came to be.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Realism, Nov 18 2003
By 
Ellen Gagen (Eureka, California) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Caribbean Elegance (Hardcover)
Reading this book is like being invited to an elegant house party in the Caribbean. You then enter a world of magical realism, in which you sit in the veranda of an 18th century "Great House" with beautiful ocean views, and your pick of antique "planters' chairs," with cool drinks waiting on a "cupping table." You listen to tales of planters and merchants, of sugar cane fields and slaves turned artisans. The material culture of the Caribbean is presented here, seen through the lens of historical events, the experiences of the wealthy and those who served them. You learn wonderful details about the subtle differences of styles on the Spanish, Dutch, English, French and Danish islands. The photographs are beautiful and range from vistas to architecture to furniture and their details. It is also a very scholarly work, of interest to anyone who loves antiques, craftsmanship, history and the Caribbean.
This book is truly an experience you can come back to again and again, and discover something new (or old...).
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5.0 out of 5 stars Caribbean Excellence!, July 14 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Caribbean Elegance (Hardcover)
This book is a fabulous stroll through the history of all the caribbean islands complete with wonderful photographs. Influences on the design linked with a glimpse into life on the islands make this an engaging book difficult to put down.
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