Who Would Like This Book:
If you're fascinated by the history behind iconic places, you'll love diving into Gardner's meticulous chronicle of the Louvre. This book isn’t just about the art on display - it's a captivating exploration of the building’s own dramatic evolution, from fortress to palace to museum. History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who's ever wandered the Louvre's vast corridors and wondered what stories the walls could tell will find this a rewarding read. It’s loaded with intriguing details that might just change the way you see the legendary museum forever.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re hoping for a breezy, picture-heavy tour of the Louvre’s greatest hits, this might not be your cup of tea. Some readers felt bogged down by the book’s density and emphasis on the architecture and politics behind the museum, rather than the artworks themselves. A lack of plentiful, clear images and floorplans can also make it tough for visual learners to keep track. Those looking for entertaining anecdotes or an art-focused approach may find it a bit too serious and scholarly.
About:
'The Louvre: The Many Lives of the World's Most Famous Museum' by James Gardner delves into the history of the Louvre buildings over the centuries. It provides detailed accounts of the various additions and changes to the structure, offering a comprehensive look at how the building evolved into the renowned museum it is today. The writing style is informative and engaging, focusing on the historical significance of the Louvre rather than the art it houses. Readers appreciated the in-depth exploration of the architecture and the evolution of the museum itself, highlighting the rich history of the building and its role in French culture.
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From The Publisher:
The centuries-long history of the Louvre, from humble fortress to Royal palace to the world's greatest art museum-with photos and building maps.
Some ten million people from all over the world flock to the Louvre each year to enjoy its incomparable art collection. Yet few of them are aware of the remarkable history of the site and buildings themselves-a fascinating story that historian James Gardner elegantly chronicles in this authoritative history.
More than seven thousand years ago, men and women camped on a spot called le Louvre for reasons unknown. Centuries later, King Philippe Auguste of France constructed a fortress there, just outside the walls of a nascent Paris. Intended to protect the capital against English soldiers stationed in Normandy, the fortress became a royal residence under Charles V two centuries later, and then the monarchy's principal residence under the great Renaissance king François I.
In 1682, when Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles, the Louvre languished until the French Revolution when, during the Reign of Terror in 1793, it first opened its doors to display the nation's treasures. Ever since-through the Napoleonic era, the Commune, two World Wars, to the present-the Louvre has been a witness to French history, and expanded to become home to a legendary art collection that includes the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
Includes sixteen pages of full-color photos illustrating the history of the Louvre, a full-color map detailing its evolution from fortress to museum, and black-and-white images throughout the narrative.
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