Designs for the Dream King (1978), Castles & Palaces of Ludwig II, Debrett/VandA

A richly illustrated 1978 hardcover on King Ludwig II’s fantastical castles—Rococo, Romantic Revival, and artisan design history in one collectible volume. This 1978 hardcover with dust jacket explores the visionary architecture of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, whose castles inspired later Romantic and Rococo Revival design. Published in association with the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, it documents real architectural drawings, interior plans, and artisan renderings once created for the “Dream King.” Inside are color plates, black-and-white photographs, and detailed illustrations of grottoes, throne rooms, fantasy boats, furnishings, and theatrical interiors—all representing the king’s “more-is-more” aesthetic and the late-19th-century blend of Rococo, Neo-Gothic, and Romantic Historicism. These are authentic working designs from the artists Ludwig II commissioned. Condition notes: • Dust jacket: surface wear, mild edge crinkling. • Brown paper hardcover: gilt crown and gilt spine lettering intact; top margin shows some rubbing. • Previous owner’s name in pen. • An informational sheet taped inside from Viking Press. • Clean interior with strong color reproduction. Details: • Hardcover with dust jacket • Printed 1978 • 76 pages • Size: 9.75 x 7 x 0.5 in