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Title: The Doors of San Miguel De Allende
ISBN: 156640990X
Author:
Robert de Gast
Publicate Date: 1994-10
Publish: 1994-10
List Price: $19.95
Average Customer Rating: 3.5
Format: Hardcover
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $11.80
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $2.89
Amazon Merchant Price: $17.95
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Worthy of a Grander Scale
There is no doubt that this book contains fine photography of a very interesting subject. I just wish, however, I paid more attention to the product description: Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches. This is not a coffee table book, and each photograph is 4.25 x 6.5 inches. So don't expect a book of the dimension that usually does justice to these types of photos. Let's just say that I wish I had a much larger format with which to enjoy the author's work.
That said and out of the way, the author/photographer hits the mark exactly with a very intriguing facet of Old Mexico and the charming colonial city of San Miguel de Allende. Cities like this have an ancient patina to them, something that only history and time can impart. Like most art, you either get it or you don't, and this author gets it.
The book isn't a metaphor to life inside the city, it is exactly what the title states - a collection of beautifully photographed handcrafted doors. But there is more; even if you have not made the journey to Old Mexico, you begin to know it by the faces of these doors. Much like human faces, there is embedded in each a perspective of a life lived and served, and serving, such that the reader/observer begins to wonder about the depths of the soul of each residence.
I have been to San Miguel de Allende on one of several motorcyle journeys through Mexico. It is a land of enchantment, wonderful history, lively tradtions, excellent food, and most of all, a rich culture and some of the most vibrant, friendly people in all the world. They literally open their hearts - and doors - to all who travel and visit with humility and respect.
This book deserves a larger footprint to display the author's work. But since it does not, I hope it serves as a teaser to those who have never been to San Miguel, or Guanajuato, or Zacatecas and the like - to go and see, and open, doors both literally and figuratively to a world so close yet so far away. Viva Old Mexico!
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2: A Good Read IF YOU'RE into these things
but if not, you'll be bored senseless.
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3: Interesting, I guess, but beware the title
This book was purchased as a gift for me. I am a subscriber to International Living, and San Miguel is a long-time favorite of theirs.
I mentioned this, and the way the city had piqued my interest, to a family member. She then promptly went online and ordered this book for me.
It is for this reason that I issue the following warning: the title should be taken LITERALLY, not figuratively.
It could be read either way, but this book is NOT about opening the metaphorical doors to life in San Miguel. You will not look in these pages and then find the metaphorical doors to San Miguel thrown open to your understanding and appreciation. You will not learn about expat or local life in this historical city. And you will not find yourself frequently referring back here as you plan your trip or your move.
What you WILL find, seriously, is heaps about the actual physical doorways on buildings in San Miguel.
If you WANT the world's premiere photo-essay collection about the doorways in San Miguel, then this is a five-star tome all the way. Look all you want, you won't find better. If you want info about the city and culture of this red-hot expat community, look elsewhere.
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4: Great door collection!
If you are looking for rustic colonial or American Southwest doors then this book is a must buy. - jim
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5: NICE DOOR PHOTOS,....BUT
If you are looking for information about San Miguel, this book does NOT provide it! Very little written...too many door photos!
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