Marella Agnelli: The Last Swan

The media could not be loaded.  What is most exciting about Marella Agnelli’s autobiography is how generous she is in sharing her life with us. Since her stories have been told so often by others, it was refreshing to hear them from her point of view.Her focus on the design of each of her homes and gardens is an invaluable contribution to the history of interior and garden design, as she gives us her perspective on some of the most famous projects and tastemakers of the 20th century: Stéphane Boudin (Parisian interior designer with Maison Jansen), Russell Page (British Gardener), Amedeo Albertini (Italian architect), Gae Aulenti (Italian architect), Ward Bennett (American designer), Renzo Mongiardino (Italian interior designer), Paolo Pejrone (Italian landscape architect), Peter Marino (American interior designer), Alberto Pinto (Parisian interior designer), Bill Willis (American designer), Madison Cox (American garden designer), and Niki de Saint Phalle (French-American artist).

Marella Agnelli’s story is quite remarkable. Although her mother was born in Peoria, Illinois, she managed to marry into Italian nobility. Marella did even better, marrying Gianni Agnelli, probably the wealthiest man in Italy at the time.This beautiful volume is an autobiography/biography with some parts written by Marella and others by her niece. What is unique is that their stories are built around the magnificent properties that the Agnelli’s acquired and decorated in such splendid fashion. These histories are fascinating, evoking a life style that seems like a fairy tale today. And the photographs are stunning, beautifully composed in a manner that instantly transports the reader to the exotic locations. One can enjoy the cosy, elegant intimacy of one of Marella’s reading rooms, stroll through the palatial entrance hall in one of her estates or wander through brilliantly sculptured gardens. One will always return from these vicarious journeys with a soft smile and a desire to embark again.

I was really surprised with this book but in a pleasant way. I thought it would just be about Marella's style but it really is such a unique book about a very special woman. The interiors and gardens ( with the exception of the ghastly wicker furniture ) are so different, each so distinct and are really inspiring. I love all the old black and white pictures and it's too bad that Marella hasn't published more of her own photography. That would definitely be interesting to see !

This book is really a skim-through of Marella Agnelli's life as it relates to places where she lived/had homes and places where she and her husband vacationed. For such a big book (it could be classified as a cocktail table book) it has surprisingly few photos. Most of the book is a narrative and most of the narrative is written by her sister. Marella's narrative is written in italics and is much less - she comments on places or events in each chapter/section. This book is certainly not an in-depth view into her life -- more of a glossy version of her life (think: Lee Radziwill's book "Happy Times"). What I loved most about this book were the photos of her various homes throughout the years. The book is printed on high quality paper and the pages are slightly "thicker" than normal so many times I thought I was flipping more than 1 page when, in fact, I was not.

This is a terrific book you really learn a lot about Marella and what inspires her. The photographs are so beautiful they transport you to another world.

A garden, to me, is a place of peace, where coming close to nature occurs without any danger, where admiring trees, shrubs and flowers gives you a special kind of joy. But I am not a gardener. And I had never bought a book on gardening. Until "Marella Agnelli: The Last Swan" that is. This book is exceedingly well presented, no doubt. However, I expected much more about Marella herself and her extraordinary life. The pages and pages dedicated to her many gardens, her talks with her famous gardener, the photos of her luxurious greeneries were not my cup of tea. However, they would delight, I am sure, the many readers who are keen gardeners. I was left still wondering WHO IS MARELLA.

This is a beautiful book, much larger than what i had envisioned, with many photos of Marella & Gianni's homes & artwork. I didn't give it 5 stars because it was somewhat lacking in the personal life details. Not that i expect a "True Confession" type, but the family has been through many travails as well as spectacular success so i expected more. Nonetheless, it is worth every penny, i am enjoying it thoroughly.

I am so glad to have waited for the right moment to go through this book. When I closed it, four hours have gone by, unnoticed. To read this book is like watching a swan glade through a crystal clear lake. Mme. Agnelli's biography is a testimonial of flawless good taste, and there is where the importance of this book resides, not in the wealth, nor in the amazing circunstances of her life, but in the sobriety and elegance of her own words used to describe her impressions, love for nature and refined interiors.

This is the definitive book about how the other half live! An aristocratic girl marries a car manufacturing tycoon and they live happily ever after.This is a real fairy story about the richest, most privileged people imaginable, personal friends of Kings, Queens, Presidents and Heads of State around the world and with homes in the cities that reads like a perfume or fashion house - Milan, London, Rome, Paris, New York, etc.It is a fascinating account of the heyday of the jet set, interestingly written with excellent photography ( no faded out of focus instamatic pics here ) These people always have excellent photographs taken often shot by world famous photographers or are good themselves having been taught by the best.Beautifully presented by Rizzoli ( who else would print a deluxe book like this! ) This is a true coffee table book that offers a " flick through" insight into the wonderful homes a member of the super rich club have and an account of their lifestyle, not on a daily basis but hints of where they were, where they bought properties and the people they mixed with. This isn't just a 'flick through' it also has a most intelligent editorial account which makes for an informative read.Actually, this is a great book, there are some really very good reference photographs, it's all very pretty, pretty and if you are interested in this kind of era then this really is very good material.

5 stars, for all the reasons given by other reviewers. There is a quite wonderful half hour documentary on YouTube entitled ‘Agnelli: La dolce vita’ which compliments this book perfectly. Those really were the days...for some.

A divine book on Marella Agnelli, icon of elegance. For all interested in personal style and taste. Beautifully presented.

A lovely book a great insight into the lives of the rich and famous.Marella Agnelli and her husband what a great looking couple.This book is lovely the photography is wonderful.

Great story