Cabinets of wonder ■
By C h R I s T I n E dAV E n n E
■
P h oTo g R A P h s By C h R I s T I n E F L E u R E n T
s e lling points ■ Thanks to the recent popularity
A richly illustrated historical account of a newly revived design treasure
of curiosity cabinets, this book will appeal to a design audience as well as collectors and history buffs ■ More than 180 photographs provide a visual complement to the text, showcasing exceptional cabinets of wonder in homes and museums ■ Subject matter encompasses the eclectic array of material found in cabinets of wonder, which range from the rare to the truly bizarre
s pecifications 180 color and black-and-white illustrations 232 pages, 8½ × 12¼" Hardcover
S
RIGHTS: World ENglISH kulls, butterflies, hunting trophies, ancient Egyptian
PUB MONTH: oCtoBEr
artifacts, the alleged skeletons of mythological
INtErIor dESIgN
creatures, and many other mysterious oddities fill cabinets of wonder. A centuries-old tradition developed in Europe during the Renaissance, cabinets of wonder (also known as curiosity
ISBN 978-1-4197-0554-0 ISBN 978-1-4197-0554-0 US $45.00 CAN $52.00
54500
cabinets) are once again in fashion. Shops, restaurants, and private residences echo these cabinets in their interior design,
9 781419 705540
by making use of the eclectic vintage objects commonly featured in such collections. Cabinets of Wonder showcases exceptional collections in homes and museums, with more than 180 photographs, while also explaining the history behind the tradition, the best-known collections, and the types of objects typically displayed. Offering both a historical overview and a look into contemporary interior design, this extravagantly illustrated book celebrates the wonderfully odd world of cabinets of wonder. Christine davenne is a lecturer in fine arts at the IUFM d’Aquitaine and is the author of the book Modernité du cabinet de curiosités. Christine Fleurent photographs regularly for women’s magazines and advertising and has contributed to numerous books, including La Cuisine des parfums and La Maison de Chocolat.
z Abrams REVFall12AdltCat_001-55.indd 43
FA L L 2 0 1 2
■
43
4/2/12 12:47 PM