Product Description

This will be a gorgeous, heavily illustrated book on the uniquely refined and aristocratic style of living that has flourished on the islands of the Caribbean from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. The book will be organized by related island groups: the French Islands (Martinique and Guadaloupe); the Dutch Islands (Aruba, Bonnaire, and Curacao); the Spanish islands (Cuba, Santo Domingo); the English islands (Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia); and the Danish islands (St. Thomas, St. John, Ste. Croix). The text will explore not only the beauty of the landscape, the houses, and the works of art and furniture, but also something of the historical background and the manner of life in the islands.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #381908 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

From Library Journal
Connors, a West Indian decorative arts scholar, presents a comprehensive guide to the development of West Indian furniture and its makers during the colonial era. Detailing the historical and sociological influences at play, he shows how each island's furniture began by reflecting the styles of the various ruling countries (England, Holland, Spain, Denmark, or France) and later evolved into a uniquely Caribbean style as the islands' furniture makers, who were primarily African slaves, began to develop their skills and incorporate African decorative motifs into their designs. Use of the islands' hardwoods, such as mahogany, and the prevalence of items best suited to the climate, such as caned rockers, four-poster beds, and armoires, further defined the style. Numerous color photographs show the furniture in historic buildings. Connors's book is highly recommended for academic, professional, and large interior design collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Caribbean Elegance
This book was exactly what I was searching for. Not only is it visually stunning, but it provides a wealth of historical information on Caribbean style and furnishing. A wonderful resource if you want to understand how this very unique style of interior design came to be.

Magical Realism
Reading this book is like being invited to an elegant house party in the Caribbean. You then enter a world of magical realism, in which you sit in the veranda of an 18th century "Great House" with beautiful ocean views, and your pick of antique "planters' chairs," with cool drinks waiting on a "cupping table." You listen to tales of planters and merchants, of sugar cane fields and slaves turned artisans. The material culture of the Caribbean is presented here, seen through the lens of historical events, the experiences of the wealthy and those who served them. You learn wonderful details about the subtle differences of styles on the Spanish, Dutch, English, French and Danish islands. The photographs are beautiful and range from vistas to architecture to furniture and their details. It is also a very scholarly work, of interest to anyone who loves antiques, craftsmanship, history and the Caribbean.
This book is truly an experience you can come back to again and again, and discover something new (or old...).

Caribbean Excellence!
This book is a fabulous stroll through the history of all the caribbean islands complete with wonderful photographs. Influences on the design linked with a glimpse into life on the islands make this an engaging book difficult to put down.