ASSOULINE

Book: Marbella Sol

Marbella is both a blank slate and a palimpsest. It can be anything to anyone. You might bump into a rock star in the morning and a member of the European royal family in the afternoon. There can’t be many places where two such unique personalities might cross paths. To paraphrase Churchill, it is a kaleidoscope, encased in a mosaic, within a melting pot. The result of successive waves of visitors who have left their mark over the years, Marbella is a social archaeological site where generations have enjoyed a sun-drenched, leisurely lifestyle. Today, Marbella’s popular image may well be that of a sort of European Miami, but one need only scratch beneath this glitzy surface to find oneself transported back to a time when Marbella was a simpler place.

In the 1950s, it was a traditional, quiet and dusty village. Today, the old town is still a charming maze of streets, some so narrow that you can touch the rough white walls on either side. At Easter, the solemn and spectacular religious processions wind their way through this labyrinth of narrow streets and squares, just as they have done for generations. But what is really striking about Marbella is just how little has changed. Historical figures with long-standing links to the coast – including, of course, Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe – may have passed away, but their presence endures amongst those who have succeeded them.

Featuring a personal narrative by the historian and journalist Nicholas Foulkes, a long-time visitor to Marbella, this colourful volume illustrates various aspects of this picturesque port, from the mountains to the beaches, and from the charming old town to the glamorous nightlife. Size & Fit: Length; 25 cm.
Width: 33 cm.
Depth : 4 cm.
3 kg
Further information: Language: English.
Author: Nicholas Foulkes.
Editions: Assouline.
304 pages, over 250 illustrations, hardback.
ISBN: 9781649803474.
(ref-LIVREMARBELLA)