Palladian Days

Finding a New Life in a Venetian Country House

De: Sally Gable, Carl I. Gable

Narrado por: Sally Gable

A chronicle of an influential villa by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio that brings a sense of discovery to the Italian countryside and its larger national history. • “If a vacation in Italy this summer just isn’t going to make the cut, this book might be the next best thing.” —Chicago Tribune

In 1552, in the countryside outside Venice, the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio built Villa Cornaro. In 1989, Sally and Carl Gable became its bemused new owners. Called by Town & Country one of the ten most influential buildings in the world, the villa is the centerpiece of the Gables’ enchanting journey into the life of a place that transformed their own. From the villa’s history and its architectural pleasures, to the lives of its former inhabitants, to the charms of the little town that surrounds it, this loving account delivers generosity, humor, and a sense of discovery.

“Palladian Days is nothing short of wonderful–part adventure, mystery, history, diary, and even cookbook. The Gables’ lively account captures the excitement of their acquisition and restoration of one of the greatest houses in Italy. Beguiled by Palladio and the town of Piombino Dese, they trace the history of the Villa Cornaro and their absorption of Italian life. Bravo!” —Susan R. Stein, Gilder Curator and Vice President of Museum Programs, Monticello

©2005 Sally and Carl Gable (P)2005 Random House Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Palladian Days lifts the notion of buying a summer house to dizzying and delightful new heights. Sally and Carl Gable's fascinating account reads like a fast-paced, marvelously satisfying adventure story." --John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

"Sally Gable’s sincerity and humor never fail her as she tells of her quest to understand Italian life and history, and to restore Palladio’s villa to its full splendor.”–Kim Williams, author of The Villas of Palladio

“Sally Gable lights up her story of acquiring a house in Italy with boldness and humor. 'House' hardly does justice to the structure, which is a villa by Palladio in the Veneto and one of Italy's prize pieces of its patrimony. The Gables lavish upon it the attention and love it deserves, turning it into a home. At every turn, they ask 'What would Palladio think?' I'm sure he would be thrilled.”–Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun

wonderful !

What a wonderful book!! For those who have visited Italy and those that wish to, this is a wonderful story af an American couple who purchase a 400 year old Palladian (small mansion) and learn to love the house and the people near Venice. A couple of times they go into more detail on the history and architecture of this house than I cared to hear but overall I could't wait to hear this book every day!!! I hope they write a sequel!!! Great listening !!

Great Read

I really enjoyed this book. Sally Gable does an outstanding job of making you feel like you are right there with her in Italy. Provides a nice mix of story telling, history, and live in Italy.

Narration Overworked

I don't know if I can get past the artificial inflections of the narration to finish this selection. The book itself may be a wonderful "read," but the woman is working too hard. She has a clear voice, but should have hired a professional. Be sure to listen to the Sample before deciding for yourself.