Palaces of Lebanon The Lost Heritage
تاريخ النشر: 01/01/2010
الناشر: Universal Publishers & Distributors
نبذة الناشر:In a two- year labor of love, Hani Samaha has searched the busy concrete jungles and quiet village enclaves of Lebanon, to find the last remaining architectural gems of the country’s forgotten palaces. Hidden from view behind elegantly landscaped gardens, the never before seen palaces such as the Jumblat’s, Sursock’s ...and Karame’s emerge from Samaha’s latest book "Palaces of Lebanon: The Lost Heritage" like debutants at a ball, radiant in their varying styles of Oriental splendor, French brilliance and Italian romanticism.
Samaha explores how and why the palaces emerged within Lebanon’s complex and elite society through the histories of their famous owners, who have shaped the architectural, social and political fabric of Lebanon over the centuries.
Most of the palaces remain private residences with magnificently appointed rooms, just as when they entertained Kaiser Wilhelm II, General Chalres de Gaulle, King Hussein of Jordan or the Shah of Iran alike.
"Palaces of Lebanon: The lost Heritage" specifically features more than fifty ornamental ceilings of extraordinary quality in carved wood, with scenic paintings, muqarnas and gilded cornices. Superb antiques – from a 17th century Vaccaro masterpiece to flawless 14th century paneling – demonstrate that an appreciation of fine art has been part of Lebanese culture for hundreds of years.
Some of the palaces have been turned into private museums, with meticulously restored architectural details, historic mosaics, parquet de Versailles floors and exquisite collections that include the world’s second largest diamond, The Excelsior.
"Palaces of Lebanon: The lost Heritage" is a dazzling photographic summary of the nation’s architectural legacy, never attempted before and impossible to duplicate. With unparalleled access to the finest palaces in the country, it details the epitome of elegance and style not only of yester year, but also of years to come. إقرأ المزيد