Havana Modern: Twentieth-Century Architecture and Interiors Hardcover – 7 October 2014

Interesting to read and stunning to look at

Absolutely stunning!!!

Es un descubrimiento valorar los tesoros que subsisten en La Habana, tras las puertas y rejas de vetustas casas de la ciudad que a pesar del velo de decadencia, guardan una belleza inigualable. Es una forma de convencerse por qué muchos consideran a la capital cubana una "Ciudad Maravilla". El libro nos recorre las corrientes artístias y arquitectónicas desde la etapa Colonial, el Art Nouveau. el Art Decó, hasta el Eclecticismo que resume la fusión en lo Caribeño. Lo fundamental, es que abre con excelentes imágenes, a aquellos sitios que están vedados para el observador más inquieto, y nos aporta información que los medios tradicionales no abordan.Sería bueno pensar en una edición en español. Gracias Michael Connors, por tan extraordinario trabajo.

The book gives an overview of the architecture during the first sixty years of the twentieth century. Many fine buildings and houses are mentioned including their architects being Spanish, US Americans or Cuban.I do not agree with all characterisation of the mix of styles you find in Havana and especially that Hotel Nacional exhibits many examples of Art Deco. My view is that apart from some undulations on the towers the style is a mix of US Chicago style (arm chair building block) and pure Spanish revival. The introduction to Art Deco and 'international modernism' is at best rudimentary. The author avoids any conclusions on the influence of the present government in Cuba or the US occupations during the first half of the century, though quoting a US visitor for writing that 'no other city in the world had proportionally as large a wealthy population as Havana' and a Consul for 'Everybody in Cuba had money...' without any comments speaks for itself. Cuba is and was not only Havana.The photos are splendid and overall it is a very good introduction to the styles you will meet mostly in Havana. The author has had good help of the authorities to get access to buildings not open to the public and to private homes. What would have earned a fifth star would be an index where to find the buildings and houses (except for those where the owners would like to keep their privacy) - though I don't expect hordes of tourist to search for modern architecture.

Un paseo por la arquitectura de La Habana del siglo XX. El libro tiene unas fotos impresionantes y es un verdadero placer para los ojos.