one of my favorite photographs of M.Castaing from the book,courtesy of Rizzoli
(the author says it is one of hers too)
It is Just what this sort of book should be- Enchanting.
Can a book be all things to all people? I think not. If you are looking for a dry detached text-stodginess- do not enter the World of Madeleine Castaing.
This book is for the scholar or student yes, perhaps- but Madeleine herself would have abhorred such a reading. It is after all- Madeleine's World. Here you will find magic-Madeleine seems to be walking just ahead of you in that red hooded cape on the grounds of Leves-her treasured home, where everything seemed possible.
Emily Evans Eerdmans has invited us into that World and at times I feel as if she has spent hours interviewing her subject- hearing a story perhaps for a second or third time with a different embellishment or two.The book captures the magical rooms and life this woman managed to create while swimming against the tide of design and art in her era. This was a women who was inspired by Proust's work and nothing would do until she imbued her rooms and shop with the sense that time was suspended in the World of Castaing. The layers of design research with Castaing as the Maestro, and her followers, Emilio Terry, Cocteau- whether designer or artist- entered that World willingly-soliciting the aid of the Muse herself or interpreting her work with their won.
In today's world of "a design book a year" from countless designers plying their trade,I found this book to be a welcome treasure. Both the author and the subject are fully confident in her abilities, coupled with inordinate charm & gratefully in no way prosaic. For all that enter the world of Madeleine Castaing-prepare to spend hours with a most bewitching woman-& book, revealing just enough for us to feel we know this enchantress.
Must we know all the minutiae of a magician's tricks to know it is magic? The World she created for herself -others desired and mimicked by the dozens- however none succeeded like the original-for it lacked one thing- the presence of the magician, and like magic this book enchants and delights.
I loved it, and you will too-since you are reading this blog..
It is yours, & it is signed by the author. Fortunately I was at the launch of the book and had Emily sign a copy for you and several for other friends as well.
What you have to do.
Leave a comment for me, and Madeleine, and Emily.
how wonderful is that-
You have until Tuesday December 7.
merry christmas early, Twice.
your book and the author signing
Can't wait ti hear what you think about Madeleine Castaing- and Emily's deep purple gloves.
more little augury posts on Castaing here
more on EMILY at her blog and read her Castaing outtakes and side bars too, here
.
I was beyond disappointed that I could not make EEE's Kansas City signing. I am still in garden cleanup mode but I devoured the first 50 pages like a kid with a Halloween basket and no adults around. Can't wait for the time to read this book with great pleasure. Since I have this book, don't consider me. Just consider my very best wishes for this book to find its way into the hands of the considerable Cult of Castaing—whether they know it now or not. I may have to don my faux leopard coat just to feel At One with Her Greatness.
ReplyDeleteI know I would enjoy reading her book...
ReplyDeleteLove the cover and after your glowing report, I hope it is under the tree this year... I first discovered MC after someone who knew MC told me years ago that "she loved the way NYC streets smoked"
ReplyDeleteso jealous - both that you met Emily before me and she met you before me! Those purple gloves are DIVINE. Would love a copy of this book, especially signed!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a signed copy of this book via Little Augury! My first introduction to Madeleine Castaign was in the book "Rooms" where there are photos of some rooms in her house (a long green hallway) and showroom (that big ceramic stove) and of her with a fabulous wig on a strap. I loved the rooms, loved her photo, have loved learning about her on your blog, and would love to see and learn even more about her by reading the book!
ReplyDeleteYour post on this book have certainly peaked my curiosity! I'd love to have this book - and purple gloves, too! ... Mark
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! I'm not to be considered as it is on its' way from Amazon already, but some lucky person shall be truly gifted by your generosity!
ReplyDeleteBlake had it right---exuberance is beauty. I'm wearing my mother's leopard belt practically daily. As a little girl, I delighted in stroking the fur, when I wasn't trying to reach the perfume bottles on my mother's dressing table.
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas list is always in a state of amendment, but this book is a firm fixture.
Yesterday I sent my daughter my Christmas wish-list, and this book was on it. I have been a Castaingophile ever since I read an article about her years ago in the late, great House & Garden (I still have the article.)Thank you, Ms. Eerdmans for your book about this unique woman, and thanks LA for your fabulous blog!
ReplyDeleteGaye, you have been such a wonderful supporter (promoter) of the book - a thousand thank yous. Because Castaing placed so much importance on love and two is clearly better than one, I'd love to throw in another copy of the book for you to give to your readers. More is more! xo, EEE
ReplyDeleteThis book is on my wish-list, too! Does the purple in Emily's gloves have anything special to do with Castaing?! ; )
ReplyDeleteEmily, you Authoress you. that is the loveliest gift of all. thank you from all.
ReplyDeleteBarbara- a good question, I hope Emily will tell us.
ReplyDeleteHome& wagnerj8- wearing o'the leopard. maybe a holiday proclamation-a very stylish holiday.
Marnie-such a good memory, I know exactly what she meant.
AD- we have to remedy all that.
Mark, AD- those gloves are wonderful and we need to know what the mean,No?
Francine, I think you will love it, very beautiful and evocative.
Diane,Townhouse-I think we all were indoctrinated by the same articles and photographs. The images and story the book tells are priceless. The "outtakes" on her blog are fairly incredible.
ReplyDeleteDear Gaye, on your trusted recommendation I have asked for this book for Christmas. It looks fabulous I can't wait to read it. Thank you for your comments over at mine. You're right it is so hard to get the right shade of green in a dress, it's such a fabulous colour xx
ReplyDeleteI've been very intrigued by Castaing since reading so much about her on EEE...I can't wait to get lost in her world for a bit...a long bit! And I'm excited to read your posts on her now too Augury!
ReplyDeleteThank you both for this wonderful gift of a giveaway! xo J~
btw- the purple gloves and the beautiful peacock blue dress have glamour written all over them!
As a big fan of M.C.'s design talent, I can hardly wait for my own copy of this book!
ReplyDeleteI just think that the Hair with the leaves entwined upon EEE is very Beegle Duquette by Man Ray. Have you seen the image?
ReplyDeleteThe woman who lived life was an ARTIST is all one can say. Her canvas was good enough for that dear Ismail Merchant to have lived in until his death...and WE all love a good Ivory Merchant film. Madeleine lived a life worthy of Film.
I've been extremely patient waiting for this book for Christmas. However, a signed copy would really be something! What a fabulous, generous giveaway...And yes, Emily looks gorgeous in those gloves. (Actually, it's her hair with the lovely twist and those perfectly placed leaves that I'm mesmerized by) Oh, and your new photo header is absolutely breathtaking P.G.T.!
ReplyDeleteH.H.
A signed copy of Castaing by HRH Emily -(sigh)KDM
ReplyDeleteI think Emily's purple gloves are FAB-u-LOUS! As is she. We actually have the book on our wedding registry. . . !!!
ReplyDeleteI am sure there are going to be so many entries because it looks like such an incredible book, the original Kelly Wearstler, EEE is pretty incredible looking too x x
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there's a pic in the book of the view Opposite that spectacular allee leading up to her home? oh for the luxury of such a view, but I'll settle happily for a peek inside the life of such a powerfully singular woman (by another)...jo
ReplyDeleteHow very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGaye I have a signed copy which I adore. Emily signed it at her Kansas City Event!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I have both of Emily's previous books but neither of them is signed, because when I bought the first one, I'd never heard of her before, and with Regency Redux, I was just too impatient to wait three months until she came to Chicago to do a lecture, so this time around, I vowed not to buy her new book ahead of time, but to wait until I could receive a signed copy directly from her own purple-gloved hands.
ReplyDeleteExcept it's been three whole weeks, the wait is driving me crazy, and it just now occurred to me that, technically, if I win this book--rather than buy it early--it wouldn't actually be cheating. Right?
What a divine giveaway - I have always adored Madeleine Castaing's use of that turquoise colour among other things.
ReplyDeleteEmily's gloves are gorgeous - such a wonderful colour - it is summer here right now but I think I may need a pair next winter.
Would love to get a little closer to Castaing's private world.
Thank you!
Well, Madeleine is my kind of woman.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about her is the little craziness (eccentricity squared!) that somehow isn't appalling but divine instead. Been tailing her through World of Interiors for years, and yes, "Rooms" .
O, to have her in my new house! Please?
This book is on my wish list, but to have a signed copy, "OH Joy" and as a Christmas giveaway even better. Love the purple in Emily's gloves. Thank you Thank you
ReplyDeleteI love that photo of her, too.
ReplyDeleteI knew little about Castaing but I was really enchanted by Diane Dorrans Saeks' post on her and by your interview with Emily Evans Eerdmans.
ReplyDeleteThe book will make my Christmas much lighter because I will be sparkling with joy!
I knew nothing of Madeleine Castaing before I read your lovely blog. I am a novice most intrigued by artistry, magic and deep purple gloves!
ReplyDeleteThank you both for this opportunity.
It would make my Christmas. It would indeed make my year to receive a signed copy of this beautiful book. Dominique Browning had written about or mentioned Madeleine Castaing some years back and I was fortunate enough to be in line for its predecessor. Now I will just pray . . . and hope.
ReplyDeleteMy eyes would have glazed over the title of this blog, had I not seen Madeleine Castaing's portrait this very week.
ReplyDeleteI was examining paintings brought to Australia for an exhibition of contemporary British and French art in 1939, and was mesmerised by Chaim Soutine's portrait of Madeleine Castaing.
She was a friend of everybody who counted and a patron of the best artists. What a gal!
Oh, how I would love to win this beautiful book!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been a fan of EEE ever since meeting and working with her at the Winter Antiques Fair a few years ago. She was kind enough to give me a copy of her first book, and I now proudly display her second on my coffee table. As an interior designer, I love reading of such greats, but hate to admit Castaing is one I have never had the opportunity to explore in great detail. It goes without saying it would be a wonderful Christmas present to win this book!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful prize, and a forever treasure!
ReplyDeleteLe style Castaing, c'est magnifique!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, please. I need this book.
ReplyDeleteLove the portrait of Mme. Castaing and the towering allee. Can't wait to learn more about her. A signed book by the author! Gwow.
ReplyDeletewagnerj8 & Jezebel you are the WINNERS of the signed EEE book. Congratulations- to the right in the sidebar click on about me to email me your address.
ReplyDelete