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Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House
This is the first book to tell the full story of America's most glamorous and fascinating country house. It is also an account of one of the most spirited, productive, and long-lasting architect-client relationships in American history. Hearst and Julia Morgan, the first prominent woman architect in America, collaborated for twenty-eight years on the creation of La Cuesta Encantada, or the "Enchanted Hill." Nonetheless, the magnificent 165-room estate on 250,000 breathtaking acres near the remote seaside hamlet of San Simeon, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, was never completed. Now, drawing on previously unpublished correspondence - nearly 5,000 letters exchanged between Hearst, Morgan, and their staffs from the 1920s through the 1940s - Victoria Kastner chronicles the evolution of this extraordinary Mediterranean-inspired compound, its two spectacular pools, and its astounding collections of art and antiquities. Illustrated here are the Castle's Spanish ceilings and other architectural fragments, medieval tapestries, Renissance furniture, nineteenth-century sculpture, and wide-ranging examples of European decorative arts, including ceramics, metalworks, textiles, and more.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 7, 2021
Hearst Castle offers plenty of stunning pictures of San Simeon and the detailed history of its creation. Your mileage may vary on the extensive biographical information for Hearst and Julia Morgan. The chapters occasionally jump around in time and often leave the building process behind, focusing more on Hearst's art collecting or relationship with Marion Davies.
If you're looking for a straightforward timeline of San Simeon's creation, Hearst Castle isn't recommended. If you're interested in Hearst, his life and times, and his experiences in and around San Simeon, Hearst Castle's in depth offerings will meet your needs.
If you're looking for a straightforward timeline of San Simeon's creation, Hearst Castle isn't recommended. If you're interested in Hearst, his life and times, and his experiences in and around San Simeon, Hearst Castle's in depth offerings will meet your needs.
December 25, 2025
Kastner’s text is a narrative history of people and house but she notes the debts to Spanish renaissance and American country-house. Well illustrated.
March 3, 2023
The story of the creation of La Cuesta Encantada. The Enchanted Hill or the name it has become known simply as San Simeon, William Randolph Hearst's 'little hideaway' in the hills. Little? There are 4 major buildings with 165 rooms and it was donated to the State of California in 1958 as a State Monument which retains it in the unfinished condition it was left in.
This books is lavishly illustrated with photos of the construction at the time as well as people - Hearst himself; Julia Morgan, the architect; Marion Davis, Hearst's companion of his later years as well as some of the notable guests from the movie industry, theater, artistic and government - both local, national and from abroad. Photos of the antiques and modern furnishings.
Influenced by the decorative styles of Sandford White as well as the architectural and landscaping designs of Charles Adams Platt, the estate of 250,000 acres was under 'construction' from 1919 through 1947 although everything slowed during the post-Depression eras. And even came to a complete halt in 1937 as Hearst's financial empire collapsed under nearly $100M in debt. It took years before the last work was done and even then, Hearst was attempting to modify and extend the main house and associate 'cabins'. It was only due to the extensive record and letter collections of Julia Morgan, that anything was known about the designs - some used, some planned but never completed and some eventually discarded.
One photo near the front of the book has the estate surrounded by clouds, like a fata morgana above San Simeon Bay and the small - at that time - town of San Simeon itself. Hearst never saw his home as a 'castle' but as a ranch. But it certainly fulfilled many a person's image of a country estate and it is definitely a exquisite showplace and museum.
2023-023
This books is lavishly illustrated with photos of the construction at the time as well as people - Hearst himself; Julia Morgan, the architect; Marion Davis, Hearst's companion of his later years as well as some of the notable guests from the movie industry, theater, artistic and government - both local, national and from abroad. Photos of the antiques and modern furnishings.
Influenced by the decorative styles of Sandford White as well as the architectural and landscaping designs of Charles Adams Platt, the estate of 250,000 acres was under 'construction' from 1919 through 1947 although everything slowed during the post-Depression eras. And even came to a complete halt in 1937 as Hearst's financial empire collapsed under nearly $100M in debt. It took years before the last work was done and even then, Hearst was attempting to modify and extend the main house and associate 'cabins'. It was only due to the extensive record and letter collections of Julia Morgan, that anything was known about the designs - some used, some planned but never completed and some eventually discarded.
One photo near the front of the book has the estate surrounded by clouds, like a fata morgana above San Simeon Bay and the small - at that time - town of San Simeon itself. Hearst never saw his home as a 'castle' but as a ranch. But it certainly fulfilled many a person's image of a country estate and it is definitely a exquisite showplace and museum.
2023-023
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August 1, 2022Nice companion to visiting the Castle itself since it has a basic story of how the Castle came to be as well as lovely pictures. LOTS of quotes from Bill, Jr, and I'm not sure I trust him. I'm definitely #TeamMarion
The amount of money that Hearst spent on all of this is beyond ridiculous. Lots of art that I suppose he saved, but the man would tear down entire churches and use them for parts. Also, Marion had to get him out of debt because he couldn't stop spending money. IDK. America, I guess.
The amount of money that Hearst spent on all of this is beyond ridiculous. Lots of art that I suppose he saved, but the man would tear down entire churches and use them for parts. Also, Marion had to get him out of debt because he couldn't stop spending money. IDK. America, I guess.
December 20, 2022
This book is useful on several levels.
I do not know about you. But I do not notice things in front of my face unless someone points them out to me. When I go to museums I need to go twice once with someone to point things out and again for my own exploration. I used this book for the point-out phase. It is more intricate than a biography film.
There are several color pictures (259 illustrations) that point out items of interest and many more with maps and history (157 plates in full color). There is an expansive preface, forward, introduction, and prologue. There are twelve chapters that carry you on a historical tour of the castle.
I am not going to go through the book, as that is why you are purchasing the book and not the review. However, on a personal note after looking at the book I went to the castle. I stayed overnight on the San Simeon coast to complete the tours in two days. As with all pictures the pale compared to the real thing. However, you now can use the book for memories. I did bring a camera. However, you are not allowed to use a flash. And I have to admit that Victoria Garagliano is a better photographer. I think the cover shows the most impressive part of the castle. The Roman pool is located inside and under the tennis court. Just like the picture, it is cool quiet, and reflective. I did want to jump in just for the fun of it.
Now I leave the book on the coffee table so some unsuspecting person (and they are rare) will ask me about it.
I do not know about you. But I do not notice things in front of my face unless someone points them out to me. When I go to museums I need to go twice once with someone to point things out and again for my own exploration. I used this book for the point-out phase. It is more intricate than a biography film.
There are several color pictures (259 illustrations) that point out items of interest and many more with maps and history (157 plates in full color). There is an expansive preface, forward, introduction, and prologue. There are twelve chapters that carry you on a historical tour of the castle.
I am not going to go through the book, as that is why you are purchasing the book and not the review. However, on a personal note after looking at the book I went to the castle. I stayed overnight on the San Simeon coast to complete the tours in two days. As with all pictures the pale compared to the real thing. However, you now can use the book for memories. I did bring a camera. However, you are not allowed to use a flash. And I have to admit that Victoria Garagliano is a better photographer. I think the cover shows the most impressive part of the castle. The Roman pool is located inside and under the tennis court. Just like the picture, it is cool quiet, and reflective. I did want to jump in just for the fun of it.
Now I leave the book on the coffee table so some unsuspecting person (and they are rare) will ask me about it.
November 8, 2019
Very similar to the other Hearst Castle book by Aidala. Lots of color photography. The photos are beautifully done, well-lit and nicely composed to show rooms at their best, with sunlight and blue sky visible through the windows. (Better than being there almost - when you tour the building some of the rooms are dim with shades drawn to protect interiors from the sun).
There's quite a bit of detail about his life, including an entire section on Marion Davies. The last two sections of the book cover his financial failure and its effect on the estate, and the turnover of the place to the state of California for use as a park / historic site. There's an extensive index and bibliography as well, along with the footnotes - some of which have some additional information so it's worthwhile to skim them.
There's quite a bit of detail about his life, including an entire section on Marion Davies. The last two sections of the book cover his financial failure and its effect on the estate, and the turnover of the place to the state of California for use as a park / historic site. There's an extensive index and bibliography as well, along with the footnotes - some of which have some additional information so it's worthwhile to skim them.
January 31, 2025
Wow.
• WRH wouldn't kill most living things, so when a century old oak tree was in the way of his construction plans, they moved the damn tree.
• I didn't know he lost his fortune in the Great Depression. A giant chunk of his art object collection was sold off to pay off debts. His medieval armor collection was sold at a department store. Bananas.
• Julia Morgan lived on Divisadero Street in San Francisco, 1.5 miles from where I now live.
• I think Wyntoon is an architecturally more interesting subject, and I wish I could tour it.
• I'd like to go back to San Simeon and walk the pergola path.
• Chris would like to swim in the Neptune pool, I want to swim in the Roman pool.
I picked up a copy of this book when we visited the Hearst Castle.
• WRH wouldn't kill most living things, so when a century old oak tree was in the way of his construction plans, they moved the damn tree.
• I didn't know he lost his fortune in the Great Depression. A giant chunk of his art object collection was sold off to pay off debts. His medieval armor collection was sold at a department store. Bananas.
• Julia Morgan lived on Divisadero Street in San Francisco, 1.5 miles from where I now live.
• I think Wyntoon is an architecturally more interesting subject, and I wish I could tour it.
• I'd like to go back to San Simeon and walk the pergola path.
• Chris would like to swim in the Neptune pool, I want to swim in the Roman pool.
I picked up a copy of this book when we visited the Hearst Castle.
February 28, 2025
A beautiful look at the iconic San Simeon estate of William Randolph Hearst. Victoria Kastner gives us a wonderful narrative, then fills the book with pictures to bring the words to life. The high quality pictures are the best thing about the book. No detail of the house is missed. In her narrative, Kastner talks of the history of the Castle, the building of it, the living in it, and the status it enjoys today. Excellent reading for any admirer of the Castle.
August 13, 2025
Having read a couple bios of Julia Morgan and now this one, I feel like I could lead a tour group. Hearst Castle continues to enthrall with the sheer beauty of its location, architecture, and eclectic art collection. It's stunning. The creative collaboration between Morgan and Hearst was a special, rare relationship. We are lucky we still get to experience their output.
November 2, 2025
My sister in law toured this home and couldn’t stop talking about it. Since I love the Biltmore and the Newport mansions, I knew this was up my alley. Interesting story of family and respected female architect.
October 24, 2017
Beautiful photos. Not really interested in the text. Just wanted to recreate the feeling of visiting.
June 17, 2021
Beautiful photography with an extensive overview of William Randolph Hearst and the building of Hearst Castle. A lovely coffee table book.
October 3, 2022
Lovely book, so many gorgeous photos. Plenty of biographical background. I wish I had read this prior to my last visit to Hearst Castle - I would have had much better questions for the docent!
January 29, 2013
George Plimpton's Foreword puts things into perspective. Apparently, there was a down side to being invited to the Castle. Chimneys that belched smoked, windows leaking, and misbehaving menagerie. Perhaps the worst was allowing only one cocktail before dinner which had to last until dinner was served 3 hours later. Minor inconveniences when one views the photos inside this book of this glorious estate and it is accompanied with an insightful text. The Proust questionnaire that asks "Who are your favorite characters in history?" - well, many of them were guests here.
June 18, 2015
In preparation and following a tour of Hearst Castle, I enjoyed looking at the illustrations and reading the parts I found most interesting. Great accompaniment to the Castle Tour. Especially enjoyed reading about the architect, Julia Morgan, her amazing abilities, and her relationship with Hearst.
January 26, 2017
Love the long dining table story. New guests were seated beside Hearst or Marian, who sat facing each other in the middle of a long pier table. When newer guests arrived, the new guests took their places beside Hearst and his girl/lady friend and older guests were moved further down the table. When you were at the end of the table you know it was time to leave.
October 22, 2009
While this was a "coffee table" book with a lot of gorgeous pictures, I also thought the author did a good job with the accompanying text. She included a lot of details about both the house and Hearst's life.
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May 15, 2014Best book ever I even visited it ps very beautiful !
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews