Newport Villas: The Revival Styles 1885-1935

I am a collecor of these kinds of books ( I have the authors other works) and I agree with the other reviews. This is a fine book for the following reasons;

a) period photos including those of some of the not so well known but equally grand mansions like Wakehurst, Rough Point, etc.

b) the presentation. I like the way the first few pages of the book reproduce period advertising illustrations to pull the reader back to the Gilded Age in preparation for the journey through period photos that follow.

c) the quality. Nice heavy, glossy paper and in large format.

If you like this subject then this is one to buy. I'm a tough judge so I give it 4.5 stars because the jacket illustration could have been more exciting. Craven's 'Gilded Age Mansions' ( 5 stars) is an example. Or he could have used an enlarged period aerial photo of Cliff Walk, or something like that. But nevertheless, this is a 'must include' book in your collection.

Mr. Kathrens is in a league of his own, the research of this as well as his other books is incredibly thorough. It's obvious that the author loves the subject matter and his passion for the materials shines through.

BOUGHT THIS AS A GIFT FOR MY HUSBAND. HE LOVED IT. WE WENT TO NEWPORT RI. HE WANTED A BOOK ABOUT THE OLD VILLAS AND WHEN I SAW THIS I BOUGHT IT. AND IT WAS A HIT.

I have all of Mr Kathrens' books and I can't describe enough the infinite pleasure that each has brought me. Kathrens' attention to detail and his informed, entertaining anecdotes illustrate his deep passion for his topics. His latest, Newport Villas, is particularly inspiring. I too have been to Newport and what Mr. Kathrens has given us is an inspiring reminder of that wonderful town's history and amazing architecture. I look forward to many more books of wonders from Mr. Kathrens.

The book is really very nice cover to cover, it shows these Newport Mansions in a terrific light. What I was not to pleased with was the lack of information about the owners of the home and its concentration on the building and materials of the home. Perhaps that is just me. I took a tour of the Newport Mansions last fall and did find some of the information different then what the tour guides spoke of. It looks terrific sitting on the Coffee table and all of my friends loved going through it.