The Tuscan house, whether a simple homestead or expansive villa, has become one of the most sought-after living environments. Its design is virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages, when landowners in the golden hills of Tuscany built country retreats with gardens, porticoes, and loggias. The landowners often drew upon the natural resources of the region—and it is these materials that give the Tuscan house its unique character. Tuscan Elements brings to life the colors, textures, and aesthetics of the Tuscan house—the magnificent stone and marble work; the hardwoods like chestnut, oak, and elm; earthy terra-cotta and brick; and the all-important water feature, used in ponds, fountains, and pools. This unique, visual sourcebook deconstructs the typical Tuscan home and examines its basic components in dazzling detail, from the tiled roof and floor, thick stone exterior walls, and vine-covered loggia to the exposed wooden beams, luminous frescoes, and the sunny courtyard garden with an ancient well or exquisite swimming pool. Filled with extraordinary photos by world-famous interiors photographer Simon McBride, Tuscan Elements emphasizes living life well with a home that nurtures and comforts, accentuates the importance of family and friends, and entertains with good food and drink. For anyone interested in infusing their present home and garden with a little bit of Tuscany, here is a delightful source of never-ending inspiration. There is something enchanting about Tuscany that has seduced the famous and just-ordinary folks for centuries, from Pliny the Younger to D. H. Lawrence and other personalities of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Black, with great assistance from photographer Simon McBride, captures the essence of northern Italy's magic by her exposition on four elements: stone, wood, earth, and water. What that involves is a historical and natural overview of the material, an examination of its uses in recent centuries, and then page after page of glorious color photographs. Yet it's not just pretty pictures. We learn about the differences between white Carrara marble and other quarried stones. The wood chapter details the trees throughout the region, with close-ups of applications, like the ubiquitous cassone, or storage chest. And water contrasts the still ponds and fountains of villas with the hot spas of Montecatini and other natural resorts. Dream on, architects, designers, and travelers. Glossary appended. Barbara Jacobs Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Alexandra Black has written about interior design, architecture, and fashion for such publications as House & Garden , Elle , and Vogue Living . The author of Ski Style , The Japanese House , and Living in Cuba , she lives in London, England. Simon McBride has been photographing gardens and interiors for over two decades. His work is often featured in Architectural Digest , Country Living , and House & Garden , and he has completed commissions for more than 30 books. He lives in London, England. Used Book in Good Condition