Villa: From Ancient to Modern Book

The word "villa" likely conjures up images of a grand Renaissance or Baroque country estate. But the villa as a building type continues to flouish in the present day. This gorgeous book—with 153 lush photographs by renowned architectural photographer Roberto Schezen and engagning commentary by architectural historian Joseph Rykwert—traces this romantic dwelling through the centuries and around the world, from ancient Rome to contemporary America.

The 18 villas that are the heart of this book include the ancient Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii, Hadrian's Villa near Tivoli, the Italian Renaissance Villa Aldobrandini, the sober and elegant Petit Tranon at Versailles, Syon House in Middlesex, England, and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, as well as modern incarnations by such masters as Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Richard Meier. Armchair travelers as well as those interested in architecture and photography will relish this unique tour of truly spectacular sites.