Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats

Description

James Reginato has written a book that tells insider tales of some of the great families of Britain and showcases their important houses and gardens. While many books focus solely on grand architecture, Reginato's extraordinary access uncovers intriguing family stories, and celebrated histories, that add context and life to the magnificent houses. Modern Aristocrats is a collection of stories about the lives, successes, and foibles of the leading families of Britain, all of whom own large, famous houses. Substantially illustrating the text are photographs of the extraordinary architecture, sublime interiors, and landscapes of many great country houses

James Reginato is writer-at-large for Vanity Fair and a contributing editor of Sotheby's Magazine. Jonathan Becker is a photographer who has contributed to Vogue, the New Yorker, and Vanity Fair. Viscount Linley is Hon. Chairman for Christie's in Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and India.

"The opulent estates of England and Ireland's royal and blue-blooded dynasties are perennial catnip to those craving inspiration on the grandest scale. "Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats," by James Reginato and photographer Jonathan Becker, longtime chroniclers of the rich and famous, does not disappoint, providing an insiders' portrait of 16 extraordinarily maintained residences belonging to such tenacious tenants as the Prince of Wales and the fourth Baron Rothschild." -New York Times T Magazine "The book chronicles the fascinating lineage and examines the amazing architecture of the houses belonging to some of the leading families of Great Britain, in a lush and very weighty tome...If you're starting your holiday shopping early, it's the perfect gift for the PBS-obsessed and lovers of traditional interior design and English country life." -Adweek Fishbowl NY "...features noble homes from grand palaces to modest cottages. A book that took years to complete which included convincing extremely private individuals who have never before opened up their homes." -Forbes.com "This stunning book presents the intriguing stories and celebrated histories of some of the UK's leading families...and their occasional scandal." -The Society Diaries "In this book, Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats, Reginato has compiled these [aristocratic] profiles in one volume, focusing on the splendid homes of the English and Irish aristocracy. And what a volume it is, with featured homes that include Blenheim, Haddon Hall, Lismore Castle, and Goodwood House. With photography by the esteemed Jonathan Becker, Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats will likely join the league of those coveted books about high-society by Horst and Slim Aarons." -PeakOfChic.com "...stands out as an absolute treasure in the release of new books being published this Fall." -LittleAugury.com "This is a...book of beautiful photographs, bookended with fascinating stories. It's a great present for people who love Olde England and luxury retreats and the titled rich. It's history. It's dish." -HeadButler.com "Any great interior design loving Anglophile is keenly aware of the history of manor homes in England....In Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats, almost as if on a docent led tour, James Reginato peels back these remarkable stories, layer by layer." -Color Outside the Lines "Rizzoli International will release Great Houses, Modern Aristocrats in October, filled with opulent photos by Jonathan Becker and a fine introduction by Reginato's friend of twenty years, Viscount Linley. The book focuses on leading aristocratic dynasties and includes marvelous profiles on the gentry. . . . Although Reginato considers himself a journalist rather than a historian, he weaves in the great wars, economic upheavals, and the scandals and tragedies that these great houses witnessed." -Classic Chicago Magazine "Here, Reginato brings us stories of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit applied to preserving family homes for future generations - stories that are as intriguing as the houses themselves! Rich photographs combined with Reginato's gift for story-telling make this a delicious read. This is of course a must-have addition to your library and would make a gorgeous gift!" -WhatisJamesWearing.com "Fall must haves." -La Dolce Vita "Vanity Fair contributor James Reginato's intimate look at the fabled aristocratic houses of Great Britain and Ireland is the perfect cure for any reader still lamenting PBS's Downton Abbey ending." -San Francisco Chronicle "While the photographs are richly detailed and gorgeous, this is one of those few coffee table books that also deserves to be read." -New York Social Diary