The Hamptons: Life Behind the Hedges
Forget what you may read about the glittering social scene of the Hamptons; inThe Hamptons, photographed and described by Susan Meisel and Ellen Harris, we're shown a lush, summery world meant for utter peace and relaxation. From the manicured lawns enclosed by privet hedges to the wide, sandy beaches and gentle surf, the Long Island landscapes shown here are both elegant and wild, extremely modern and utterly traditional.Focusing on three towns (Sagaponack, Bridgehampton, and Easthampton), the photographs have been divided into chapters based on their content, rather than the area in which they were taken. The variety of architecture is showcased in the "There's No Place Like Home" chapter--it's not every town that encompasses the early Federal and saltbox styles of this country right along with sleek modern styles that have open decks and windows as their focus. A surprisingly practical side of the Hamptons is disclosed in "Field of Dreams," where photos of corn, potatoes, and wheat threshing reveal the down-home roots of this farming community. "For the Love of Blue" provides the perfect pictures to help beachcombers survive gray winter days; the close-up shots of crashing waves and the panoramic views of rocky beaches may well transport you via memory to your own favorite beach.Each chapter has a page of written introduction, but throughout the book the text is minimal, serving only to provide brief descriptions of the glorious photos. This is exactly as it should be; the photos provide such a feast for the eyes, any additional information would merely detract from their loveliness.--Jill Lightner