Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

'Cuban Elegance' offers a look into the life of the Cuban elite during the Spanish colonial era, emphasizing the palatial houses and handsome furniture of the island's enormously rich sugar, cotton and tobacco barons.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

In this abundantly illustrated book, Connors, a West Indian decorative arts scholar, traces the development of Cuban furniture during the colonial era. As in his Caribbean Elegance, he details historic and sociological influences on Cuba's architectural and furniture styles, beginning in the 16th century with the Mud?jar style of Moorish Spain. As immigrant and slave craftsmen began to develop their skills, they were influenced by European and North American decorative styles popular during the 17th through 19th centuries. But they began to use the island's hardwoods and develop furniture pieces identified with Cuba, such as the sacristy chest of drawers, the smoker's chair, and the popular caned rockers. Numerous color photographs show the furniture in historic buildings. Recommended for academic, professional, and large interior design collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.