Versailles

Exhaustively researched and opulently illustrated, this lavish volume incorporates recent enlightening research on the social life and symbolic language of the Versailles complex. Eminent French architectural historian Perouse de Montclos traces the transformation of Louis XIII's modest hunting lodge into the splendid apotheosis of the French monarchy. His discussion of the evolution of the architecture and gardens as well as its interior decorative ensembles and ornamental details clarifies Versailles' significance as an experimental design workshop. More than 400, mostly, color photographs. 424p.