Jacquelin Widmar Stewart Knihy

Fleeing imperial Austria before the scourge of two world wars, the author s grandparents never could have imagined their small homeland as a free country. The new book by Stanford-educated attorney Jacqueline Widmar Stewart portrays the natural and cultural history of this green gem, long hidden away in Central Europe. In the space of two generations the stunningly beautiful little land has lifted itself from a feudalistic past to lead the European Union as an independent nation. The 2009 London Book Festival has selected Finding A Guide to Old Europe s New Country as runner-up in the Wild Card category in its annual competition honoring the best of international publishing. Finding Slovenia also was selected as Finalist in the National Best Books 2009 Awards Travel Category by USA Book News.

For over 350 years, Parisians have crafted and maintained remarkable public outdoor spaces. This exploration delves into the intricate tapestry of parklands in greater Paris, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of various park-building eras. Each park is imbued with multi-dimensional qualities, allowing readers to experience these grand green spaces as Parisians do. The history of Paris, dating back to its Roman roots, is evident in nearly all parks, regardless of their size. The equitable distribution of green spaces throughout the city reflects significant 19th-century urban planning and continues to influence contemporary park development. Many parks and gardens, originally part of royal estates, now invite public access, with the Tuileries opening to visitors in 1667. These thoughtfully designed spaces have transformed urban blight into beauty and repurposed industrial sites for recreation while preserving cultural connections to the past. Paris boasts numerous enchanting features: a landscaped promenade stretching for kilometers above bustling streets, a modern garden elevated above a major train station, the Parc de la Villette with its striking architectural forms, serene allées along the Seine, newly created marshlands teeming with wildlife, fragrant roses from Josephine Bonaparte’s collection, and two gardens dedicated to the renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin.

Depuis plus de 350 ans, les Parisiens ont conçu et préservé d'impressionnants espaces en plein air accessibles au public. Jacqueline Widmar Stewart explore l'évolution des parcs de Paris et de ses environs, révélant comment l'époque de leur construction confère à chaque parc des qualités uniques. Chaque espace vert, quel que soit sa taille, témoigne des différentes couches de l'histoire de Paris. La répartition équilibrée des parcs dans la ville illustre une période clé du 19ème siècle, tandis que les parcs contemporains perpétuent ces traditions. Plusieurs jardins du 17ème siècle, autrefois royaux, sont désormais ouverts au public, le Jardin des Tuileries étant le premier à accueillir les visiteurs en 1667. Ces parcs, conçus avec soin, masquent parfois le délabrement urbain par leur beauté ou transforment des sites industriels en lieux récréatifs, tout en préservant des liens culturels. Les merveilles de Paris invitent à l'exploration : des promenades paysagées, des jardins suspendus, des parcs au bord des canaux, et des îles sur la Seine. Jacqueline Widmar Stewart, passionnée par la langue et la littérature françaises, a étudié à l'Université de Stanford et a publié plusieurs ouvrages, dont des guides sur les parcs et jardins de la région parisienne ainsi que sur la culture du Champagne.

The Champagne region of France has experienced two remarkable peaks of fame and fortune, separated by a significant historical gap. The author explores this rich history and culture, showcasing its evolution to the present day. Over 100 color photographs enhance the narrative, highlighting events tied to specific locales. The region's medieval architecture reflects a time of great wealth and artistry, while the modern champagne trade's success is evident in its vibrant hubs. However, the era between these two peaks often receives less attention. Following Champagne's medieval golden age, the region faced centuries of decline, marked by misfortune that cast it into obscurity. Its resurgence is attributed to an unexpected combination of factors and individuals, blending art, craft, science, and business acumen. The book delves into the champagne-making process, discussing grape varieties, terroirs, crus, and the appellation system essential for labeling. Additionally, it examines two regional parks and their significance in shaping the area's character. The author, Jacqueline Widmar Stewart, has a longstanding passion for French language and literature, complemented by her academic achievements and previous works that celebrate conservation efforts.