Price : $40.12

Product Description

Marie-Antoinette has been idolized as the height of eighteenth-century French style and vilified as the spark that ignited the French Revolution. This book departs from such traditional interpretations of the infamous queens reign and chooses to reflect on the humanistic aspects of her private realm. To escape the formalities and royal obligations of Louis XVIs court, Marie-Antoinette created a private realm of pleasure for herself at the Petit Trianon and Hameau, where she planted the first Anglo-Chinese garden; created a trysting grotto; a working farm; and revolutionized architecture and gardening trends for the century to come. Marie-Antoinettes entire private domain and its story are told in beautiful photographic detail by Franois Halard for the first time since its recent restoration and accompanied by well-researched texts by garden expert Christian Duvernois.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-10-24
Marie-Antoinette is something of an enigma, some feel she is the misunderstood tragic heroine of the Ancient Regime and some feel she is that Austria wh*re, who may or my not have said, let them eat cake, and spent France into Revolution, I feel she is probably all of this and more. One thing is for certain, she held herself and her family in honor as she took the guillotine, she died with grace befiting her stature, even if those around her threw things at her and called her unspeakable things. As for this book, it is very good, the images are well presented, some in black and white, others in color, and the text is informative without being too dry or scholarly. I appreciated the attention to such buildings as the glorious Belvedere and the gorgeous Pavillion, these two esquisite small buildings often get lost in the spendor that is Versailles, but they are actually two of the most beautiful stuctures on the Palace grounds. A few buildings such as the Petit Palais get sort of short shrift, but they have been covered extensively in other books and really are more thought of in the context of Louis XV and Pompadour. Overall, a good book that covers some new ground, fine images and interesting text make it a fitting homage to Antoinette and her small sanctuary at Versailles.

Price : $10.95

Product Description

Gardeners throughout the region will be welcoming a thoroughly updated and fresh-looking 8th edition of the bible of Western gardening. With a new, easy-to-read design, more plant photography, larger illustrations, and more than 8,000 plant listings–500 of them new–it’s THE essential book for gardeners in the Western states. What plants to grow, how to nurture them, and where they do the very best–it’s all here. You’ll also find updated information on the Western climate zones, 30 Plant Selection Guides, plus a Practical Guide to Gardening with basic advice on plant care and essential gardening techniques. New plant lists reflect current trends, such as Mediterranean gardening and easy-care plants for beginners. For more than 70 years, Sunset has been the source for no-nonsense gardening advice, easy-to-follow diagrams, and encyclopedic knowledge of plant varieties. In this edition, we introduce an exciting new feature: gardening tips from well-known plant experts throughout the West. The Western Garden Book has never been better! Features:

8th Edition of this perennial bestseller

More than 8,000 plant listings, 500 new, keyed to climate zones

30 Plant Selection Guides to find the perfect plant for every situation

Special contributions from 40 eminent Western garden experts

Introduction by Sunset garden editor Kathleen N. Brenzel, with a photographic tour of gardens that are truly the `Best of the West’ gardens

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-11-29
This is the "Bible" of Western gardening, and I have owned various editions myself over the years. This was purchased as a gift.

Review date : 2008-09-22
I have relied on Sunset’s Western Garden Book, in its various issues, for many years. From time to time, about every 3-4 years or so, they re-publish it. This particular issue has become my favorite "Working Bible" and I keep one copy in the house for reference and another in my garden/yard supply area. I bought this copy to give to my daughter and her husband, to introduce them to gardening in the Northwest, and to reduce the number of times I have to answer her questions by phone. Now I can simply refer her to the appropriate page of her own "Sunset Garden Book".

The two or three recent re-issues of Sunset’s Western Garden Book have become more "posh" and sophisticated, like coffee-table issues, not meant for nitty-gritty work in the yard.

The particular volume I bought on Amazon was in incredibly perfect condition; my guess is that the original owner had never even opened it (it was inscribed as a Christmas gift from his parents!) And the price was amazing.

Review date : 2008-09-19
I ordered 2 books, going to 2 different addresses, & they both came right on time.

Review date : 2008-09-19
I purchased this book as a textbook requirement for a college horitculture class. Since purchase, it has become an very valuable tool both in my class work and my personal garden planning. I would highly recommend this book regardless of your level of experience in the dirt! It may clear up some very common questions you may have!

Review date : 2008-09-14
I have not come across a book that actually tells which plants would thrive in specific regions in the Bay Area. My roommate said it’s the bible for gardening here in California.

Price : $9.98

Product Description

The team behind the best-selling Mexicolor and Mexicasa has unlocked the gates to Mexico’s patios, courtyards, and walled gardens. From private homes to luxurious resorts, In A Mexican Garden celebrates Mexico’s hidden oases where lovers meet for margaritas at sunset and families gather for spirited fiestas. The dazzling array of featured properties includes rustic coastal hideaways, elegant Spanish Colonial mansions, rural haciendas, and Modernist architectural masterpieces. Melba Levick’s stunning photographs capture page after vibrant page of bold Mexican design elements: swirling mosaic floors, elaborate frescoes, hand-carved stone fountains, and lush native plants. Gina Hyams’ informative text explains the historic roots of these uniquely Mexican outdoor spaces. Garden design enthusiasts, fans of Mexico, and anyone who appreciates a siesta in the sun need only open this book to hear the quiet babble of fountains and glasses clinking to toast another beautiful sunset.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-11-26
Once again a colourful book filled with inspirational living. Mexico at its best with many ideas to pursue. Well written with brilliant photography - a must have book!

Review date : 2008-08-29
This is a great book for ideas on designing your own Mexican style garden and as in my case designing an Adobe Dollhouse and courtyard.

Review date : 2008-01-27
This book is an explosion of beautiful colours on every page! It is filled with beautiful photographs of Mexican outdoor living and the commentary is concise but clear, enabling the reader to copy the ideas found in the book. I intend to use the book to create my own Mexican/Spanish style courtyard.

Review date : 2007-09-27
I was very surprise whith the quality of the presentation and the beautiful pictures. Excellent!!

Review date : 2007-09-03
I love this book! The beautiful photographs give the reader great ideas on how to design and decorate.