Product Description

The austere facades that line the labyrinthine streets of Morocco's ancient walled neighborhoods reveal almost nothing of the luminous residences within. The Villas and Riads of Morocco lifts the veil on these secret paradises, from fantastic palaces in Fez and Essaouira to middle-class riads in Marrakech to converted casbahs in the southern oases. With more than 200 stunning photographs, this beautiful volume takes us behind the scenes to explore a side of Morocco that is largely hidden to outsiders.

The book showcases exquisite interiors that combine rich materials such as cedar and marble; luxurious carpets and textiles; filigree carving and other handiwork; and vibrant color palettes. Also featured is the remarkable mosaicwork found especially in the central courtyard gardens and patios that form the heart of the Moroccan house. Accompanying these sumptuous views is a vivid history of the country's residential architecture and its fascinating mix of Andalusian, Arab, and Saharan influences. The Villas and Riads of Morocco not only offers a feast for the eyes but also illuminates an entire culture. AUTHOR BIO: Corinne Verner is a cultural anthropologist who lives in Marrakech. She is also a scriptwriter and has written a documentary film series for television. Cécile Tréal and Jean-Michel Ruiz are photojournalists and members of the Gamma and Hoa-Qui agencies. They have spent many years in Casablanca and have collaborated on several publications on Morocco, Madagascar, and the Maghreb.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #260209 in Books
• Published on: 2005-07-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

More than a Coffee Table Book
This work is thoroughly researched and beautifully presented. As well as the delights of the photography and text, it contains really interesting aspects of social history.

Beautiful!
It is an exquisite book, filled with photographs to make you drool and text that informs you of the nuances of homes so far from my own. Buy it! So worth the money to have it sitting on your shelves!

A very inspiring glimpse of a world so beautiful and misterious
The photography of this book is truly amazing, such masterpiece and delight, some of the images are quite art pieces to which I am drawn time and time again to steal another pick. I like especially the ones with people in them who are caught in the mid of their daily chores, it simply reveals astonishing moments. In confession I must say that I bought additionally three more books of the same category in depiction of Moroccan architecture and styles, but this book definitely stands out.