Chertogi vlasti – Dvorets v prostranstve kultury (Palaces of Power – The Palace in Cultural Space)
St. Petersburg: Iskusstvo SPB, 2011. sewn cl. This book assesses the palace as a cultural phenomenon in its historical development from its original use as the residence of a sovereign to contemporary offshoots. It presents an overview the grand princes’ residencies in medieval Russia, the magnificent palaces of European monarchs (conceived as works of art), the palace complexes of the Russian autocrats, and finally, the palaces of more recent, democratic times – the temples of culture, sports etc. Interpreting the palace primarily as a metaphor of power, the author pays much attention to the architectural solution and the interior decoration of grand structures, which does not, however, prevent her from telling the stories of their residents. A scholarly approach to the theme combines with a clear manner of writing, and over 200 illustrations support the author’s conclusions. About half of the thirty-two chapters concentrate on works of Russian architecture. 704 pp., 5 5/8 x 9 ½ ins., approx. 200 b-&-w illus. 40 color, Rus., 2011, Item #3732
ISBN: 9785210016362
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Price: $48.00