Autrefois, Maison Privee

Photographer Bill Burke has taken annual trips to Indochina ever since he first traveled to Asia in 1982. Although he usually photographed the people, Burke became aware of how the architecture absorbed as much as reflected the region's history. Transfixed by buildings like the municipal offices built by the French in the 1860s, the vaulted railroad stations and post offices of the 1930s, and the art deco fantasy cinemas of the 1960s, Burke saw the region as an architectural museum, rotting in the humidity and untouched by economic ambition, and began to trace the cultural changes in the area through its architecture.

In Autrefois, Maison Privee-the title means "once a private house," and refers to the prevalent reappropriation of once private houses for municipal and government use-Burke captures the dramatic history of the area, from the influence of French colonialism through the rise of communism and the devastating effects of the Vietnam War, to the repopulation of Cambodia after the fall of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge and the opening of the area to capitalism. Burke's first entree into Indochina occurred during the period of Soviet control, a period of recovery that allowed for the current explosion of capitalism, which has already begun to devastate an architectural heritage that was well preserved in the deep freeze of socialism. What the B-52s and tanks didn't destroy during decades of war, developers from neighboring countries are busily replacing and defacing with their shrines of commerce.

Autrefois, Maison Privee is the only book to delineate this transformation; featuring Burke's signature gritty layout and design, Autrefois, Maison Privee is a marvel livre deluxe of history, architecture, and photography.

This book title, Autrefois, Maison Privee, ISBN: 9781576871805, by Bill Burke, Bernard Fall, published by powerHouse Books (June 1, 2004) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.

Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer Autrefois, Maison Privee books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.

Prefer to work with a human being when you order Autrefois, Maison Privee books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!