Product Description

Marrakech is a place of contrasts: half African and half Andalusian. Amid its luxuriant palm groves, through the ochre-coloures streets of the canopied souks, Marrakech is veiled in an ambiguous mystique. High walls protect havens waiting to be discovered as heavy cedar-wood doors yield to offer a glimpse of the delights of the town centres and marketplaces. Deep within its gardens, vestiges of ancient splendour reminiscent of ancient Babylon can be discovered. In the quiet angles, nooks and corners where one can hear just the murmuring of a fountain, it is easy to believe it is one of the last outposts of a forgotten Eden. Daniel Rey, architect and journalist, collaborates with FMR and AD magazines and compiles travel reports for Conde Nast Traveller and Louis Vuitton City Guides . Dividing his time between Rome and Marrakech, he teamed up with photographer Massimo Listri to create a book that will have readers reaching for it time and time again.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #530829 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

About the Author
Daniel Rey, architect and journalist, collaborates with FMR and AD magazines and compiles travel reports for Conde Nast Traveller and Louis Vuitton City Guides. Dividing his time between Rome and Marrakech, he also teamed up with photographer Massimo Listri to create a book that will have readers reaching for it time and time again.

Customer Reviews

ARMCHAIR TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THIS !

Marrakech, that magically mysterious place in Southern Morocco - just the sound of the name gives birth to visions of intrigue, romance, secrets. It is, perhaps, the city many of us dream of visiting. Well, if Marrakech is not included in your vacation plans this year you can enjoy an in-depth colorful tour through the pages of this beautiful volume.

Readers will find a telling description of the glories of this city: "With the coming of twilight Marrakech gives itself up to all manner of seduction, the senses discover the thrill of happiness. On the horizon it seems that all the purple in the world, in its infinite shades, has chosen the Atlas chain as its domicile...."

Thanks to the spectacular photography by Florentine artist Massimo Listri we know this to be true. His camera takes us behind the high walls and enormous cedar doors of Moroccan houses to discover magnificently decorated interiors, with a melange of colors, fabrics and lighting all reflecting the blend of cultures found in the city - Berber, French, Spanish and Arab.

One finds traditional homes called Dar as well as the magnificent palaces with interior gardens known as Riad. Some 27 residences are featured as well as twelve outside of the city. Each is unique, delightful with shaded yards, fountains and pools enhancing the lives of those who dwell on the edge of the desert. Where else would we find a pool with mother-of-pearl lining the bottom or a home in which artists have used "what might be called chiffon painting," which involves "processing the layers of plaster with a thin fabric, the only way to obtain certain faded blues and linen grays...."

Daniel Rey, author of numerous travel accounts for Conde Nast Traveller and the Louis Vuitton City Guides, divides his time between Rome and Marrakesh. His narrative is a splendid companion to Listri's photographs as he details behind the scenes life in this contemporary Eden.

If you have not already dreamed of Marrakech you surely will after browsing through this lush volume, which is surely one of the most enticing books to be found.

- Gail Cooke

Marrakech
What an inspirational book, beautiful photos, just makes you want to go and visit, so instead you can create I little bit of Marrakech in your own home which I have decided to do with some lovely paint and lots of cushions a great book to flip through and dream