Ireland boasts an architectural treasure trove of 18th and 19th-century country houses. This text looks at 26 of these county seats, from Curraghmore in County Waterford and Ballywater Park in County Down, to Glin Castle in County Limerick.
Christopher Simon Sykes Books






David Hockney: The Biography, 1975-2012
- 448 pages
- 16 hours of reading
Focusing on David Hockney's vibrant career from 1975 onward, this volume delves into his artistic evolution, including his iconic swimming pool series and innovative set designs for operas. It highlights his engagement with new technologies like the Polaroid camera and iPad, reflecting his adaptability in the art world. The narrative also explores Hockney's dynamic personal life, revealing the glamorous circles he navigates and his complex relationships. With exclusive access to his works and insights from interviews, this account offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a legendary artist.
An authorized account of the life and work of the influential British artist covers his education at the Royal College of Art, the role of the 1960s in shaping his vision, and his relationship with Peter Schlesinger during the turbulent emergence of gay rights
The Man Who Created The Middle East
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The story of the catastrophic British mishandling of the Middle East, told through the career of Sir Mark Sykes - Edwardian aristocrat, traveller, writer, politician and co-author of the infamous 1916 Sykes-Picot agreement, a shady deal between Entente powers to carve up the Middle East that lies at the heart of many of region's problems today. At the age of only 36 Sir Mark Sykes was signatory to a reviled and notorious treaty, drawn up in May 1916 between the French and the British, that divided up the collapsing Ottoman Empire in the event of an allied victory in World War One. Written without any Arab involvement, it negated an earlier promise that the British Government had made to the Arabs that they would gain independence. Drawn up in secret, a controversy has raged around it ever since.
In this chronological selection of 32 of the most notable houses of England and Wales, the authors present a panoramic history of the great house. The original photographs include examples of English art and architecture, from medieval stone to the excesses of High Victorian taste.
1982 Chatto & Windus 1st ed.,pub. in England. Bad boys, villains,, cheats, spendthrifts- an entertaining history of rogues who disgraced their families by Christopher Sykes.
The astounding first volume, exploring the fascinating world of the most popular living artist in Britain today. David Hockney's career has spanned and epitomised the art movements of the last five decades. His story is one of precocious achievement at Bradford Art College, the Swinging 60s in London where he befriended many of the iconic cultural figures of the generation, to California and the cool of the swimming pool series of paintings, through the acclaimed set designs for countless operas around the world and major retrospective exhibitions at The Tate and The Royal Academy of Art. With unprecedented access to interviews, family and friends and Hockney's own notebooks and paintings, this volume will deliver an honest and revelatory account of the man who many believe to be Britain's greatest living artist.
This eagerly anticipated companion volume to "At Home with Books" contains beautiful color photographs and detailed advice about collecting, displaying, maintaining, and living with an art collection. 300 full-color photos.
Hockney. The Biography. Volume 1 1937-1975.
- 363 pages
- 13 hours of reading
In this astounding first volume of his authorised biography Christopher Sykes explores the fascinating world of the most popular living artist in the world today. David Hockney's career has spanned and epitomised the art movements of the last five decades; His story is one of precocious achievement at Bradford Art College, the Swinging 60s in London where he befriended many of the iconic cultural figures of the generation, to California and the cool of the swimming pool series of paintings, through the acclaimed set designs for countless operas around the world and major retrospective exhibitions. With unprecedented access to interviews, family and friends and Hockney's own notebooks and paintings, this volume will deliver as honest and revelatory account of the man who many believe to be Britain's greatest living artist.
The legendary guitarist recounts the story of his life and his career, recalling his work with the Yardbirds, Cream, and as a solo artist; years of drug and alcohol abuse; failed marriage to Patti Boyd; and the accidental death of his young son.