Product Description

Cuba's unique history has meant that hundreds of magnificent buildings have been preserved, and although many are timeworn and in need of repair, their architectural splendour is still remarkable. Columns and colonades, balconies and courtyards, intricate work in iron and ornately modelled stucco and painted wooden shutters are among the many features characteristic of Cuban architectural style. The interiors and exteriors of beautiful houses and hotels from all over Cuba are presented here in colour illustrations, with an informative text on their heritage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #917071 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-21
• Released on: 1999-10-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 199 pages

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.

Southern Accents, Philip Morris, December 1999
The Houses of Old Cuba documents the country's hybrid architectural character. Though concentrated on houses...the text covers the wider economic, cultural, and social history of Cuba, providing a context for the history of domestic building over the centuries. The photographs similarly capture the larger setting and include images of life in today's Havana and smaller cities strung the length of the island.

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

Customer Reviews

Beautiful book, beautiful memories.
I purchased this book for my husband, he was forced to flee Cuba at the age of 5. He has a vast collection of books on Cuba and Cuban-American issues, and this is a very welcomed addition. The photographs are lovely, and when viewed by our Cuban relatives, it brought back lots of memories. Lovely as an art or historical book.

french version available in www.amazon.fr
both versions of the book, in english and french, are excellent. however, there are some 'minor' differences, for example the cover. there is also a spanish version that shares the french version cover design.

Wonderful Photography
This is a fabulous book with exquisite pictures. The photography is marvelous and it gives the reader an opportunity to see the nice range of architectural styles that can be found in Cuba.