From Library Journal
Llanes, chief curator at the Museo Wilfredo Lam in Havana, and photographer de Laguarigue present a visual survey of the Cuban architectural heritage from the 16th to 19th centuries. Introductory chapters provide an overview of the island of Cuba including discussions of climate and terrain, indigenous people and colonization, and architectural details of the tropics. Color photographs illustrate interior and exterior views of both the homes of the wealthy in Havana and the bohios (cabins built from various kinds of organic materials) of those living in the isolated outlying areas. Close-up details of the courtyards, balconies, galleries, balustrades, grilles, and louvered doors are illustrated while the text explains the development of the architectural features, the houses themselves, and the social life and customs of Cuban daily living. This highly visual presentation of Cuban dwellings is recommended wherever interest warrants.-Judith Yankielun Lind, Roseland Free P.L., NJ Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From the indigenous simple huts known as bohios to elegant neoclassical villas, from the grand palaces of the Spanish occupation to luxurious quintas or country mansions, all the secrets and enchantments of Cuban life, past and present, remain intact today in the city of Havana, in the towns of Trinidad, Camagüey, and Santiago de Cuba, and in the countryside. This superbly illustrated book reveals a Cuban architectural heritage that is often ignored or hidden from the view of visitors to the island. Drawing upon local archives, museum records, memoirs, diaries, and other native sources, Llilian Llanes describes Cuba's architectural history from the sixteenth century to the nineteenth. The evolution of Cuban architecture, influenced by climate and social conditions, parallels the cultural, political, and economic history of the island, and the houses and their decoration reflect periods of greater or lesser prosperity, as well as social inequalities. Courtyards, balconies, galleries, balustrades, grilles, and louvered doors: the evocative photographs, all in color, illustrate the subject magnificently with exterior and interior views plus close-ups of details. Extended captions explain the development of architectural features and the houses themselves over centuries and provide fascinating details of Cuban daily life, customs, and pastimes. 168 color photographs and a map.

Author Biography: Llilian Llanes is Chief Curator at the Museo Wifredo Lam in Havana. Jean-Luc de Laguarigue, a Caribbean-based photographer, has published an earlier book on the houses of Martinique.

SYNOPSIS

This volume, beautifully illustrated with 168 color images, reveals the fascinating Cuban architectural heritage that is often ignored or hidden from an outsider's eyes. Photographer Jean-Luc de Laguarigue shows courtyards, balconies, galleries, balustrades, grilles, and louvered doors, plus closeups of details. In the text, Llanes (chief curator at the Museo Wilfredo Lam in Havana) draws upon local archives, museum records, memoirs, diaries and other native sources to explain the development of architectural features and the houses themselves over centuries. She also provides details of Cuban daily life, customs, and pastimes. Reprint of the 1998 edition. Oversize: 9.75x12.50". Distributed by W.W. Norton. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Miami Herald

Celebrates Cuba's history through its distinctive architecture.

Choice

An eclectic tropical architecture of remarkable character.

Elle Decor

[R]uns the gamut from the island's famous Baroque cathedral to simple dwellings found throughout the country.

Islands

The most impressive architecture in the Antilles...a book of great beauty.

Tony Gibbs - Islands