Versailles: The Great and Hidden Splendours of the Sun King's Palace

Versailles: The Great and Hidden Splendours of the Sun King's Palace is a sumptuously-presented book with excellent colour photographs which give a clear picture of Versailles' charms, almost as good as an actual visit. What is lacking is a comprehensive introduction to the place, setting the scene and contextualizing it simply within world history. Instead, we get a long rhapsodic introduction singing the praises of the photographers with no particular critique offered of their work. While pleasant for them to receive this paean of praise, the book does not need it as the photographs speak for themselves. A glimpse of what might have been is in the astute comments under some of the pictures.

The most beautiful photo's I have seen of Versailles are within the covers of this sumptuous coffee table book. I highly recommend for anyone interested in French decorative arts and architecture.

Stunning pictures, so happy with this beautiful book. Its mainly pictures, which is exactly what I wanted. I love it