Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles
by habituallychic
11 . 20 . 08
I think books make a wonderful present at the holidays. I always consider them the gift that keeps on giving. It gives someone away from home something to read and it gives others some quiet time away from their family…”I think I’m going to go upstairs and read my new book for a little while.” Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.Anyway, one of my favorites this year is Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles by landscape designer and garden expert, Christian Duvernois. Don’t let the title fool you, this is much more than a garden book. It highlights everything related to Marie-Antoinette’s folly including the architecture and interiors with breath taking photos by everyone’s favorite photographer, François Halard. It would be the perfect gift for any Francophile or gardener. Or maybe you could buy a copy for yourself so you have an excuse to sneak off for some for some alone time!
Copyrighted photography by François Halard, Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles by Christian Duvernois, Rizzoli New York, 2008. Serial rights are available. Please contact Jessica Napp, jnapp@rizzoliusa.com.
14 Comments
Looks like a great read!
This post of yours has inspired me to dig up my Versailles photos and blog about them here:
http://ishandchi.blogspot.com/2008/11/trip-to-versailles.html
I’m missing France terribly now…
Thank you for this wonderful suggestion – a beautiful book for gifts (and for me!).
I visited Versailles last Easter and was very disappointed at the poor condition the buildings were in. In particular, the Petit Trianon and the hamlet seem cartoonish, even Disney-like, compared to what is shown in the pictures and the movie.
It could just be my expectations were too high, but, say what you will about the British monarchs, Windsor and Buckingham were worth their ticket prices.
Oh, lovely… I remember reading about Marie Antoinette’s “Hamlet” for playing farm-girl when I was a kid, and when I went to Versailles when I was 13 it was all I wanted to see. Sure enough, while the main castle and other buildings all looked like stage sets, I fell in deep, deep love with that so-not-a-cottage “farm” house and its little fake town. Amazing, and so great to bike through the grounds until you stumble on it.
Viv, Great photos! I have never been to Versailles so I may have to look into planning a trip for next year!
Vicki, I love this book and I know you will too!
Anonymous, The Petite Trianon wasn’t an offical palace. The whole place was built as an escape for Marie-Antoinette so she could pretend to be regular so perhaps that’s why it looks different. In a sense, it’s almost like an elaborate real like stage set.
Kate K – I think biking through Versailles sounds pretty fabulous! I didn’t even know that was possible.
This is on my Xmas Wish list!
This books looks fabulous. Perfect for Christmas. I know a couple of people that would love this. Thanks Carla
You read my mind… I obsessed just last night over Ms. Antoinette. I actually watch Sophia Cappola Marie Antoinette which I adore. I know its can be slow and well depressing in the end but I love when becomes queen and runs around in her playful extravagant dress, her over the top hair and the shoes, o the shoes… We do not know glamour like Versaille in our world today. Versaille is amazing and I ready to pack my bags and move to Paris. I think I might just have to have this book as my escape from modern day “glamour”. Seriously to only time we get to dress remotly like this era is on our wedding day for a few hours. I think I might just throw a ball one of these days and HC your invited!
Books are the best gifts of all – completely agree! This one looks superb. The photography in this one is beautiful. So delicate for a delicate subject.
Marie-Antoinette just breaks my heart. Why do so many people relate to her, I wonder? It must be her fall from grace. All people can wonder what it must have been like.
Oh, I can’t wait for this! Thanks for the sneak peek of all the images.