Doris Duke's Shangri-La: A House in Paradise: Architecture, Landscape, and Islamic Art Hardcover – Illustrated, September 4, 2012

This book is beautifully written, and carefully researched. The story of Shangri-La is fascinating, and the author has uncovered a lot of detail that helps the reader truly appreciate the museum that the home eventually became. When you tour the home you are greeted by a well-informed docent, but you are only shown a portion of the home and its priceless collections. The book is much more comprehensive with detailed photos of the many works of art. Doris Duke's life story is quite sensational, and other books have dwelled on her personal story, but this author has chosen to tell the story of the house itself along with information about Ms. Duke's life and her interest in the Islamic art that fills her home. In addition to art lovers, this book should appeal to readers who want: a gorgeous coffee table book, connections to Hawaii - the home is sited on one of the most pristine settings in the islands and Ms. Duke's connection with Hawaii is a story in itself, and of course detail on the vision, planning, and final architecture and design of one of America's great homes.

During my trips to Hawaii, I always wanted to visit Shangri-La, but never made it. When I saw this book I knew I had to have it as it was a great way to see every detail. I enjoyed reading about Doris Duke and especially enjoyed the pictures of her estate.

Wonderful photography of a remarkable home in Oahu, owned and built by Doris Duke including an outstanding collection of Islamic art, much of it custom made for this house. No expense spared, but this home is now a museum and a gift to those who experience it in person. The book is a wonderful reminder of that as well.

I visited Doris Duke's Shangri-la for the first time this past June. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I was in awe of all the many details she incorporated into her home. This book does a great job of capturing the beauty of the house. And since we couldn't take pictures inside, I now can reference this book! Also, Amazon was much cheaper than the museum pricing.

Stunningly graceful, enrapturing, transformative book. One wonders how minimalism ever took hold when aesthetics of this type preceded same (and I am no enemy of minimalism). Fine quality color photos and the balance among panoramic, mid-distance, and fine-detail images make this study of Doris Duke's home the book to beat if one is prioritizing choices.

Some of this book is really nice, but there were many things that would have made it better.Sadly, photography is the main thing. The grounds could have been given more care. If you go online you'll see better photos of the grounds and dramatic vistas. I don't recall even 1 photo takendat night. Imagine the terraced fountain and swimming pool illuminated at night, glowing virtually next to the Playhouse and the Pacific. There are many photos taken of the estate at night that are also online and they are captivating, and give a evening view that only Miss Duke and her guests would have seen. Regular tourists see the estate only in the daytime. I also don't recall photos of Miss Duke's bedroom, although there is an endless supply of her bathroom. A little more space devoted to the ongoing conservation at Shangri La (because of the sea/salt/overall age) would have been nice as well. Both the Dining Room and Playhouse had a lot of work done to restore their original appearance, but I know that only from other sources. A floor plan would have been great.The tiny "guide book" published by the foundation that operates Shangri La has equally nice... and often better... photographs within its smaller, 62 page, soft cover binding. I recommend that book with 5 stars.

Beautiful photographs, great text, this book was an inspiration for a recent holiday visit to Doris Dukes Shangri La.The book reads like a labour of love worthy of the great dream.The estate is the culmination of money, a true artistic vision and a great 'artists eye'. The book is a wonderful documentation of that vision. Highly recommend.

the history surrounding the custom- made tile panels--Iranian stone cuttersarchetectual drawings juxtaposed with photos of the completed buildingsthe historical context within which the idea for Shangrila emerged, 1930smelding of the historical with the contemporary, and a glimpse into the exotic life of an iconic figure who had great wealththe photographs are a good introduction into Islamic art; combining them with the written explanation gives me a feeling thatI know a little more about the subjects--Islamic art, D. Duke, Shangrila, rich and famous peopleOverall, I've been inspired to look more deeply into all of the above