A Newport Summer

Newport, Rhode Island, is a bastion of American high society, with grand Gilded Age houses untouched by contemporary renovation and taste. Photographer Nick Mele and author Ruthie Sommers share their entrée into the parties, lawn tennis matches, beach clambakes, and family gatherings that make up the glorious days of a Newport summer, capturing the intimate charms of the town through Sommers's personal, evocative text and Mele's exquisite photographs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: Vendome Press

Nestled along the scenic coastline of Rhode Island, Newport stands as a testament to the grandeur of American high society. The opulent Gilded Age houses that perch atop its oceanside cliffs and grace the storied Bellevue Avenue exude an untouched elegance, untouched by the modern tides of renovation and contemporary taste. Within these grand mansions, family heirlooms are cherished and passed down from generation to generation, embodying the Yankee thrift that has defined the region's culture for centuries. What sets Newport apart from other resort towns is its understated allure, a charm that permeates every aspect of this historic community.

Yet, the lives behind the facade of these elaborate mansions remain largely hidden, shrouded in secrecy. It is only now that photographer Nick Mele and author Ruthie Sommers, both lifelong residents of Newport, have ventured to unveil the captivating tapestry of parties, lawn tennis matches, beach clambakes, and family gatherings that make up the glorious days of a Newport summer. Through Sommers's personal and evocative text, coupled with Mele's exquisite photographs that capture the essence of people, parties, beaches, and houses, the intimate charms of A Newport Summer come vividly to life.

Picture the foggy mornings of June, when the air is filled with anticipation and the gentle mist kisses the shores. The traditional yacht races of July, where the sleek vessels glide across the shimmering waters, captivating spectators with their speed and skill. The annual meeting of old friends at Marble House in August, where laughter and conversation fill the air, and memories are made that will last a lifetime. And then, as the season draws to a melancholy close after Labor Day, a sense of nostalgia washes over Newport, as the summer's warmth and vibrancy fade into the distance.

A Newport Summer is a tribute to the timeless elegance and charm of this iconic coastal town. It is a glimpse into the lives of the privileged and privileged, a celebration of the traditions and customs that have shaped Newport's identity for generations. Through Sommers's words and Mele's photographs, readers are invited to immerse themselves in the world of Newport's high society, to experience the magic of a summer that promises to leave a lasting impression on their hearts and minds.

Weight: 1846g
Dimension: 265 x 339 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780865653962