Historic Houses of Paris Compact Edition: Residences of the Ambassadors

Some of the grandest hôtels particuliers in Paris are now seeing service as embassies and this gorgeous volume celebrates their splendour. In a stunning series of photographs, the reader is taken on an intimate tour of these great houses. The text is sparse but informative and, with the figure captions, provide an adequate summary of their history. This is a work to cherish and return to often. So light a large cigar, pour a double cognac and enter a world that only a few can experience.

Perhaps one of the most lavish and beautiful books yet published on French architecture, interiors, gardens and history of truly some of the greatest hotels in Paris and all in color! Worth all of the asking price. It's a very heavy book and weights and fills one's lap for sure. It offers hours and hours of unlimited enjoyment as one returns over and over to peruse the beauty so magnificently photographed. The written portions regarding each residence are extremely well written and most informative giving the reader as much information as one would normally desire. It's a glorious book that will be a keeper for sure for all those interested in French architecture, interiors, gardens and furnishings. James McKinney in Wichita, Kansas

I dont often write reviews but felt compelled to for this book. The photography is superb, not sure how the author got this kind of access, but what a splendid glimpse of the insides of these fabulously preserved residences. Each one shows a sample menu for guests as well....wish I was invited over. I very much enjoy books about classic and historic architecture, and this is one of the best I bought in a long time. Highly recommended!

Historic Houses of Paris arrived today in a large box. It was well packaged and protected. The book itself is really oversized and heavy. That is already one star. The four stars come from the presentation and contents of the book. For the first time, the beautiful Hôtels (Stately Houses) of Paris occupied by the different Embassies are presented in colour. The rich interiours and the objet d'arts are captured in clear vivid photographs. However, I am disappointed that the hideous modern Embassy of Australia was included in this book. In my opinion, it has no place on this work because of contemporary designs. Several residences are worth including in Historic Houses but definitely not that of Commonwealth of Australia. It is not even historic built only in 1972.Hence I have to remove one star. Historic Houses of Paris is another jewel in my collection of Coffee Table Books. Prospective buyers would not regret they purchase it. Not to mention, the super service of Amazon! P.S During my first visit in the City of Lights, I saw an eye sore edifice amidst the serene beatiful buildings of Paris: I only realized when I read this book that it was the Australian Embassy. I wonder why the French Government allowed such hideous building to be built?

One of the most beautiful book I ever seen! Superb quality and tasteful pictures! Each house has a unique history of its own, and being Paris, it's not surprising that some of the persona who had grace these houses in the past left a mark in human history, such as Chopin, Wellington, and Bonaparte. The notes on each house are scholarly done and only adds to the worthiness of this priceless book. A great addition to the library of anyone who is interested in the historical French architecture and decoration.

I never knew such houses existed. The photos are wonderful and the historic descriptions are very helpful.

An excellent book featuring historica hotel particulars in Paris. The text is first rate and the phographs are superb. Anyone wondering about the interiors of the wonderful mansions behind walled gardens or gates will be very pleased and informed. Interior designers and architects should find this a valuable resource.

Light on words and heavy on great photos!

Very beautiful book, thank you.

Ho acquistato questo libro sulla richiesta di un mio amico ing. che non riusciva trovarlo all'estero. Ottimo libro, ben fatto. Trovato un pò costoso forse per via della copertina rigida. Ma ha fatto suo figurone. Consiglio

Lo mejor de este libro es la variedad de estilos perfectamente documentados sobre la decoración de las embajadasa más importantes en París. Sirve para identificar estilos, presentaciones de mesas, habitaciones por uso... Y da un toque muy novechento y parisino.

For everyone who has a keen interest in the French Capital ,this book surely earns a place on everyones bookshelf.

good