Description
Book SynopsisAn insider’s tour of the magnificent seventeenthcentury castle and gardens, conceived by Le Vau, Le Brun, and Le Nôtre, that inspired the great châteaux of Europe. Vaux-le-Vicomte’s rich history began in 1641, when infamous Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet bought the estate and enlisted architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles le Brun, and garden designer André Le Nôtre to transform it into a lavish residence. His extravagance piqued Louis XIV’s jealousy, and he was thrown into prison for mishandling funds. The château inspired the design of Versailles, and was later home to the great chef Vatel, who famously died for his art.
This volume traces the château’s history from the seventeenth-century through the Belle Époque, World War I, and its public opening in 1968. Exclusive photography and archival documents offer unprecedented access to the château, furnishings, and gardens, and illuminate the extraordinary secrets of court life and centuries of celebrations that include the enchanting candlelit tours held today.
Trade Review"By way of revealing
beautiful photography, documents and rich storytelling, the heirs share the roller coaster history of this world class chateau starting in the seventeenth century . . . Housed in an elegant sleeve with family crest debossed with foil accents, the presentation of the book alludes to the
richness and attention to detail captured throughout. [
A Day at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte] is a feast for the eyes and does not hold back on glorious archived details of this celebrated chateau.
For the historian, architecture enthusiast or fracophile, this is a book to be savored."
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FrankiDurbin.com
"This
must have book will enthrall readers with secrets of court life and the centuries of celebrations that have taken place within the walls of this palatial abode: from Fouquet’s final fling to the enchanting candlelit tours that still take place today.
A DAY AT CH TEAU DE VAUX-LE-VICOMTE is a
splendid introduction to the architecture, furnishings, interior design, and social history of one of Europe’s most famous homes."
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CourtneyPrice.com
"
A Day at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a gorgeous photobook which has 170 color photographs, many of which highlight interesting details that you might miss on a regular visit to the château.
In addition to some pretty stunning photography, the book delves into the history of the estate, from Fouquet through its modern-day managers, who actually grew up on the estate. . . Yet
A Day at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte book is more than a charming photobook with history to share: it is a
moving tribute to Vaux-le-Vicomte itself. At the end of the book I found myself not just knowing so much more about the château, but caring about it in a way I hadn't before."
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ViveLaQueen Blog "Ensconced in its elegant slipcase, this jewel of a book explores the history and the lore behind Vaux-le-Vicomte. . . The book's text is concise yet informative, while archival anectdotes are woven throughout the book to add further interest. But it's
the book's enchanting photos that are the real draw here, giving readers a glimpse of Fouquet's magnificent creation.
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THE PEAK OF CHIC BLOG"Masterfully architected by Louis le Vau for Louis XIV's finance minister, Nicolas Fouquet, the estate oozes history and memory, which this written confessional brings to life through
mesmerizing photography and intriguing tales about one of Europe's most enduring treasures."
-BASK MAGAZINE"This insider's look at the famed French 17th century chateau takes you from the beginning of its creation by finance minister Nicolas Fouquet in 1641 through la Belle Epoque, World War I and its opening to the public in 1968.
The breathtaking photography shows extraordinary details from the furnishings and art to the magnificent gardens."
-THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE "[
A Day at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte] is your own private tour and grants wonderfully exclusive access. Just
be prepared to be enthralled by the secrets, power struggles, and jealousies of court life captured within its pages!"
-What is James Wearing
