Being forever fascinated by Versailles, I’m beyond thrilled to bring you Flammarion’s fabulous new book, Versailles: A Private Invitation by Guillaume Picon with photographs by Francis Hammond.
Of course there have been quite a few books on the subject, but I can say that this latest endeavor truly stands out with its many new and rarely seen before vantages – and it is a fascinating read as well. Photographer Hammond has been given unrestricted access to every possible point on the property (this is indeed a private invitation) and brings to bear all of his own creative sensibilities to capture the power, splendor, and grace that so pervades all of Versailles. And with complementary aplomb, writer Picon provides deep scholarly insight into the Kings and court life of France and presents fresh and illuminating source material that captures the very essence of Versailles.
photo by Francis Hammond from the book, Versailles: Private Invitation. Flammarion
photo by Francis Hammond from the book, Versailles: Private Invitation. Flammarion
photo by Francis Hammond from the book, Versailles: Private Invitation. Flammarion
photo by Francis Hammond from the book, Versailles: Private Invitation. Flammarion
photo by Francis Hammond from the book, Versailles: Private Invitation. Flammarion
photo by Francis Hammond from the book, Versailles: Private Invitation. Flammarion
As you may know, one of my favorite maxims is “imagination becomes reality,” but when I say this, I don’t mean to imply that things manifest without proper causes and conditions. Any great unfolding requires some fundamental (read: elemental) ingredients like singularity of vision, sustained effort, and of course material resources. The meeting of Louis XIV with the genius of André Le Nôtre, and the subsequent forty year undertaking to transform nine hundred and seventy-seven acres of marshes, grasslands, and forests into the crystalline grounds we experience now in the gardens of Versailles is one of those superlative examples of total alignment. And if we are considering my aforementioned maxim, then I have to say my experience at Versailles via “Versailles: A Private Invitation” has me thinking BIG! How about you?
Versailles: A Private Invitation is incredibly inspiring and a delicious read. Do snap up a copy! You won’t be disappointed.
Magnificent!
ALWAYS BIG!!!!!!
THE HALLWAY of MIRRORS has NEVER LEFT MY HEAD, upon seeing it in 1977 for the FIRST TIME!I was there FOUR YEARS AGO with THE SONS……it still takes one’s breath away.
I cannot wait to see YOUR FEAST for the eyes…….did you ever tell us where the MASIONETTE IS in New York?Not that I would know!
Keep thinking BIG!
My Dear Ellen Fisch,
This latest tome has me all womped up by all the possibilty of manifesting my own over the top delusional dreams and fantasies- Versailles was the most magnificent example of the manifestation of a dream – I am sure you will be delighted and inspired by this tome!
All My Best
and
Cheers to Big Dreams and Fantasies
James
Mr Dear La Contessa
Yes – the only way to think is BIG
I am endlessly inspired by Versailles
The meeting of Louis XIV with the genius of André Le Nôtre, and the subsequent forty year undertaking to transform nine hundred and seventy-seven acres of marshes, grasslands, and forests into the crystalline grounds we experience now in the gardens of Versailles is one of those superlative examples of total alignment.
This is forever a mantra of sorts
All My Best
JA
As Prof. Stanley Barrows said so eloquently, “Honis soi qui mal y pens”
(shame on he who doth think evil of it)
DEAN FARRIS
Dear Dean,
It is an endless source of inspiration for me – speaking of not settling for little fantasies!
All Best
JA