Havana Blues Book | Assouline

Product Description :

Crumbling facades in pastel colors line its streets, parked antique cars evoke the past, live music permeates the air. Welcome to Havana, home to boundless energy. Located along the Florida Straits, Cuba's capital has known several identities: Spanish colonization, Mafia domination in the 1930s, glamor of the 1950s, Cuban revolution and, more recently, cultural renaissance. Havana's bold and provocative approach to art, cuisine and entertainment, as well as the eclectic mix of African, French, Spanish and North American influences, including its range of architectural styles from the 16th century to nowadays give this epic city a legendary status on par with the greatest cities in the world. While some buildings are in poor condition, the beauty of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Deco triumphs. The iconic Copa Room cabaret that hosted Ginger Rogers and Abbott and Costello still stands. The Gran Teatro de la Habana, built at the beginning of the 20th century, now houses the National Ballet of Cuba. Habana Vieja is undergoing a massive restoration to its former glory. Havana might be seen as a work in progress, but it's more of a testament to its endless determination to improve and progress, which might be the lure that draws so many visitors. So take a seat in an authentic paladar (family restaurant) and enjoy the vibrant evolution of Havana.

Product details:

• 296 pages
• More than 200 illustrations
• English language
• Released in July 2021
• L 10 x W 13 x D 1.5"
• Linen Hardcover
• 6.0 lbs

Product Description:

Crumbling pastel-colored facades line its streets, parked vintage cars evoke times past, live music permeates the air. Welcome to Havana, home to an overwhelming energy. Situated along the Straits of Florida, the capital of Cuba has been through several identities: Spanish colonial settlement, mobster rule in the 1930s, glamor of the 1950s, Cuban revolution and, most recently, a cultural renaissance. Havana's bold, provocative approach to art, cuisine and entertainment—as well as the eclectic blend of African, French, Spanish and North American influences—including its range of architecture styles from the sixteenth century to the modern day, confer this epic city with a legendary status on by with the world's greatest cities. While some of the building are in disrepair, the beauty of the baroque, neoclassical and art deco features triumphs. The iconic Copa Room cabaret that hosted Ginger Rogers and Abbott and Costello still stands. The Gran Teatro de la Habana, built in the early twentieth century, is now home to the Cuban National Ballet. Habana Vieja is undergoing a massive restoration to its former glory. Havana could be seen as a work-in-progress, but it is more a testament to its never-ending determination to improve and progress, which might be the allure that attracts so many visitors. So take a seat at an authentic paladar (family-run restaurant) and enjoy the vibrant evolution of Havana.

ProductDetails:

• 296 pages
• Over 200 illustrations
• English language
• Released in July 2021
• W 10 x L 13 x D 1.5 in
• Linen Hardcover
• 6.0 lbs