Building Fontainebleau

Nestled in a once-royal forest south of Paris, the Château 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 château - 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 development of the château 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 readers ever-renewed pleasure and delight.