Product Description

Loosely following in the footsteps of the most notorious grand tourists Kevin clambers in, on and amongst the greatest buildings, ruins and cities in Europe and also veers drastically off the official path to visit the brothels, bathhouses and drinking dens which formed the other half of the grand tourists' experiences. This accumulation of sights sounds and smells allows a sense of what it must have been like for a callow Briton to have come face to face with the heat and the noise, the drama and still living history of the civilisations of Europe. As always, Kevin, who speaks French and Italian fluently, is an entertaining and masterly companion as we delve behind the facades we all think we know so well.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1080 in Books
• Published on: 2009-09-21
• Binding: Hardcover
• 216 pages

Review
'Kevin McCloud is a good guide and host because he's immensely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his subject, architecture, and he's completely engaging without being patronising.' (RADIO TIMES (TV review) )

'He is on good form here, setting off on an enjoyable and illuminating four-week excursion' (SUNDAY TIMES (TV review) )

'a breezy architectural travelogue' (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY (TV review) )

'Hugely entertaining and informed take on the 18th and 19th-century upper-class experiences of Europe and their influence on British culture.' (WOMAN & HOME )

About the Author
Studied Art and Architecture at Cambridge, trained as a theatre designer, then set up his own design, lighting and manufacturing business. Today he concentrates on television work, journalism and product design. He is best known for his series GRAND DESIGNS and GRAND DESIGNS ABROAD which have spawned a monthly magazine of the same name. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, an ambassador for WWF and has a number of honorary degrees. He has also appeared as TOP GEAR's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

Customer Reviews

Kevi Mc Cloud grand Tour of Europe
This book is well worth buying. The photographs and the whole content of the book make for some excellent reading

Beautiful Coffee Table Book
Kevin McCloud never fails to captivate on the TV screen and with this book he brings that same charm to print. The book basically follows the same format as the TV series giving some extra insight the subject, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and every visitor to my home cannot resist flicking through it's pages.

Grand Tour
Purchased as a birthday present. Feedback from the recipient is that the book was enjoyed and the present appreciated.