Building Fontainebleau. A Richly Illustrated History

Nestled in a once-royal forest south of Paris, the Chateau de Fontainebleau is an open-air compendium of French history, art and architecture. In recent years, our knowledge of the palace, with its interiors and gardens, has been thoroughly revamped. This book is a simplified yet faithful reflection of the current state of scholarly research. The architectural history of this nine-hundred-year-old chile.- the product of numerous changes and dramatic events- has often been viewed as highly complex.
By focusing on eleven key periods, each illustrated by a spectacular visual reconstruction, the authors provide a useful, easily comprehensible overview of the developrnent of the chateau from the twelfth century to the present day. Readers can henceforth wander through an age-old royal household - "the true home of kings" - down through the centuries. Discoveries will include the sturdy medieval keep innovative Renaissance frescoes, practical additions made by Louis XV, refined interiors executed for Marie Antoinette, and a plush theatre installed by Napoleon III.
This comprehensive and comprehending look at Fontainebleau will offer reader ever-renewed pleasure and delight.