User:Jxc5/Legendary Estates of Beverly Hills

The Legendary Estates of Beverly Hills (Rizzoli 2008) by Jeffrey Hyland is the definitive history of the 50 most famous estates in Los Angeles’ three finest neighborhoods: Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills, and Bel-Air.

Hyland explains the history and importance of each estate, and he tells the little-known stories of the many famed owners, from their passionate involvement in the design of these costly and architecturally distinguished properties, to their intrigues and calamities.

Historical photographs, mostly taken during the 1920s and 1930s when many of the estates in the book were constructed, depict their original appearance. Other historical photographs show some of the first residents at their homes.

Over 250 color photographs, all commissioned for this book, take readers beyond the gates, and show these estates today: the mansions, their interiors, the gardens, and the art collections.

The December 2008 BookPage, the national book review publication, declared that “this amazingly researched and illustrated history of 50 incredible estates includes a who’s who of notables involved, as well as an authoritative look at the convergence of architectural styles (and audacity) that are as integral to Southern California as palm trees.”

A review in the November 30, 2008 New York Post declared that “Jeffrey Hyland unlocks the gates of some of the lushes, most lingering-gaze inspiring homes on the planet.”