Absolutely Wonderful!!! I just got my copy a few days ago and was completely blown away. I love old houses and especially plantations, and STRONGLY reccomend this book to anyone intereseted in history, architecture, the South, or historic preservation. The book is truly beautiful and filled with crisp photos of dozens of grand old mansions that are no longer standing. The author has obviously spent many years extensively researching the history of these places and the narratives are exteremely interesting and enjoyable to read. The lives of these plantations and those who influenced them just jump right off the pages. Definitely a book I am proud to have in my bookcase, and one all of my friends will be getting as Christmas gifts!