Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #141243 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

Review
An entirely revised, updated and sumptuously illustrated version of the Duchess's previous book about the House, which became a No 1 bestseller when it was published in 1982.

Customer Reviews

One of the most perfect 'Country House' books ever
There is no shortage of books on English country houses, but books dedicated in their totality to one single house are surprisingly rare (and those that do exist do not necessarily cover the most obvious houses - there are books on Tyntesfield, Clouds, and Waddesdon Manor, but none on Blenheim Palace, Wilton House or Castle Howard. A book on Holkham Hall is in the making, though). Some books that discuss a greater number of houses are quite excellent (e.g., Great Houses of England and Wales by Hugh Montgomery-Massingbird), but it is hard not to feel shortchanged when a house as rich as Chatsworth is delt with in just a handful of pages. Here is the better alternative. I have collected a great many books on english country house history over the years, but this is certainly one of the most beautiful and satisfying of them all. Everything about it is right.
Chatsworth was already a tourist magnet in Jane Austen's days, and very much remains so today. Sequestered in its gorgeous green valley, it is the quintessential 'great house' in the quintessential English landscape. This book must be the next best thing to an actual visit; in fact, in some ways it may be better, for how many visitors enjoy the pleasure of being shown around by the Duchess of Devonshire herself? And a pleasure it is. The texts are immediately involving, due to their well-balanced mix of (art)history, anecdote, wit and personal recollections and reflections. Family, staff, and visitors all feature in the biography of a place that is very much alive, even though its maintenance poses daunting challenges. Never pompous, the lively, at times delightfully tongue-in-cheek style of the Duchess's writing betrays that she stems from a literary family (she is the sister of Nancy Mitford). Her undisguised great love of the place adds yet more charm.
The other glory, of course, is Simon Upton's photography, which is simply dazzling. All rooms of interest, both in the public route and the private appartments of the Devonshires, are illustrated in large, full colour images, as well as many decorative details, paintings, and several 'downstairs' spaces. In all, they provide fascinating insight into the workings and riches of a very large house like this one. Be aware, though, that the book details the interior only. For views of the house and the gardens you will have to get the equally alluring 'The Gardens at Chatsworth' by the same author (and as I gather, a book about the estate as a whole is forthcoming, so Chatsworthites can rejoice....).

To the Manor Born......
Fabulous and delightful. A wonderful book with terrific pictures. The Duchess writes with wit and charm. I find this book a delight to pick up and just browse and enjoy. A objective but candid look at living in and maintaining a national and family treasure (not to mention coping with a couple of centuries of collecting and interior decorating!).

ENGLISH BEAUTY
This is may not be the largest of the great English estates, but I'm not sure there is one more beautiful or better realized. This house is a stunner and what makes this book all the more interesting is that one of the authors is the duchess herself. This images are wonderful, they are crisp and vivid. It is said that Jane Austen considered this the most beautiful house in England and thumbing through this book it's hard to argue. Really a beautiful book perfectly realized.