Product Description

Here is an exotic interior-design book for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping to a different way of life. The elegant lifestyle, magnificent homes, and varied furniture and decor of the French, Dutch, Spanish, English, and Danish islands of the Caribbean from the late 18th century to the early 20th century are revealed as never before in this sumptuous volume.

With some of the most beautiful tropical islands on earth as a backdrop, dazzling photographs reveal the homes of the sugar barons who made their fortunes there. Tables and beds from St. Thomas and Ste. Croix, armoires and chairs from Martinique, cupboards and chests from the Spanish Antilles, settees and cabinets from the English islands; all are works that combine the grace and opulence of European and North American styles with the vernacular island forms and decorative motifs. These gorgeous examples give the reader a unique view of the casual refinement of aristocratic Caribbean living.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #555559 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• 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

The real thing
After having lived in the Caribbean islands for fifteen years I can say that this book really captures the easy yet refined feel of the fine local furniture, as well as the homes. I think most people think of beach shacks being down there, and don't realize how the local craftsman have perfected their art over the centuries. It's a pleasure to see once again the graceful native mahogany furniture, and the lovely homes open to the trade winds. Mr. Connors has captured the island ambiance, and explains in an easily understandable manner some of the reasons the local art forms developed as they did in relationship to their surroundings.

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...).

Extremely Helpful
Doing research for island living and furniture, for clients here in the Bay Area, I found this book extremely helpful. Mr. Connors kept me reading, wanting to understand more of that wonderful period. Mr. Buck's photos were exquisite. Through both of their works, the understanding I received regarding that period of time in the Caribbean was and will be very useful to me. Thank you both.