Lost Plantations of the South,   ISBN:9781578069422

Customer Rating: 

This is an outstanding book. It is both stunningly beautiful and exceptionally well researched and written. The rare photographs are haunting and absolutely breathtaking. But unlike many books in this genre, there is a substantial amount of real history to go behind the beautiful pictures. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the plantation families and the slaves who lived on these estates. I relished the tales of Lucy Holcombe Pickens whose jaunts to Russia brought her much favor with the Czar and Cazrina, and Choctaw Chief Greenwood LeFleur who built a most impressive mansion called Malmaison. The tragic and hilarious history of Goat Castle and its insane inhabitants was wonderful, as were all of the other narratives. Dr. Marc Matrana does a great job of covering the history of lost plantations in every Southern state and provides strong and fresh ideas about preservation that can be utilized today. I hope this author will keep his great books coming!

Customer Rating: 

I had high hopes when I heard of this tome. As someone interested in Southern Architecture, the long overdue creation and publication of a book on the lost plantations of the South met my ears with interest. I am not completely disappointed in Marc Matrana's work; it is simply too brief and uneven in coverage, often lacking in illustrations. While Texas has eight plantations in the book, Alabama has only three represented. Arkansas, although not well established in the antebellum plantation economy, just has three plantations listed with nary an illustration. Tennessee and Kentucky contain merely one plantation apiece. I realize that there can never be a comprehensive history of all the lost plantations in the South; however, more research could have doubled the number of houses found in those states. Matrana possibly knows the brevity of his book; he included a large bibliography at the conclusion of the book and suggested reading lists in the chapters. There is also a note to the reader alluding to the fact that this is not a definitive book on the subject. This is a good overview on the subject and is still a worthwhile purchase.

Customer Rating: 

Absolutely Wonderful!!! I just got my copy a few days ago and was completely blown away. I love old houses and especially plantations, and STRONGLY reccomend this book to anyone intereseted in history, architecture, the South, or historic preservation. The book is truly beautiful and filled with crisp photos of dozens of grand old mansions that are no longer standing. The author has obviously spent many years extensively researching the history of these places and the narratives are exteremely interesting and enjoyable to read. The lives of these plantations and those who influenced them just jump right off the pages. Definitely a book I am proud to have in my bookcase, and one all of my friends will be getting as Christmas gifts!