Russian Houses

From the modesty of peasant wooden cottages to the opulence of imperial summer palaces, from Tolstoy's country estate to Pushkin's elegant apartment, from Lenin's austere bedroom to a contemporary parlor overflowing with collectibles, Russian Houses explores the diversity and magnificence, the compelling style and remarkable beauty of Russian dwellings.

The history of Russia's style mirrors the history of Russia and its rich indigenous culture transformed by contact with the Orient and the West. Russian Houses explores the integration of these myriad influences while capturing the landscape of Russia's history and culture: Old Russia evident in the traditional stoves, samovars, and ornately carved exteriors; the marriage of European fashion and Russian sensibility in Peter the Great's Peterhof; and the history of place in Prince Yusupov's magnificent palace where Rasputin was murdered. The photographs of Dostoevsky's apartment, Chekhov's Yalta home, Pasternak's dacha, and Tchaikovsky's estate provide a context - at once beautiful and thought-provoking - for the works of these great artists. And in Russian Houses, the styles and collections at contemporary Russian homes give a fascinating firsthand view of the tastes, traditions, and innovations of Soviet citizens.

No other work combines beauty and information to so illuminate the history and culture of this fascinating and diverse country. Knowledgeable, insightful text on the history of Russian dwellings, exquisite photographs, and detailed captions give Russian Houses its authoritative grandeur, creating an unforgettable treasure.