This is a reprint of a 2002 book. Patrick Mauriés is a Paris-based writer who has written many books on design and fashion. Here he discusses collections--in particular, those made by royals and elites as well as merchants and scholars during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Typically, the collections were of items found in nature, stored or presented in cabinets--the uniform compartments bestowing order on eclectic assortments while emphasizing their unusual or intriguing characteristics. While this is a highly visual book with full-page photos of objects and numerous smaller illustrations, the text is by no means negligible. The author's essays and captions fully describe social and cultural context, personalities, and the objects themselves. The volume is oversize: 9x12". Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)