Very Charleston: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Lowcountry Charm

“A charmingly illustrated photo album of sorts … a highly personal catalog of sights and sounds and emotions.”Cobblestone streets leading to perfectly preserved historic homes. Intricate wrought-iron gates opening to lush, fragrant gardens. A skyline of steeples and a river harbor bustling with schooners and sailboats. Charleston is one of America’s most charming cities. In vibrant watercolors and detailed sketches, artist Diana Gessler captures the beauty and riches that make Charleston so unique: White Point Gardens, the Spoleto Festival, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, Fort Moultrie, the beaches of Sullivan’s Island, sumptuous Lowcountry cuisine, and handmade sweetgrass baskets. Full of fascinating details–on everything from the art of early entertaining, the city’s inspired architectural and garden designs, and George Washington’s Southern tour to famous Charlestonians and the flags of Sumter– Very Charleston celebrates the city, the Lowcountry, the people, and our history. Hand-lettered and full color throughout, Very Charleston includes maps, an index, and a handy appendix of sites. With her cheerful illustrations and love for discovering little-known facts, Diana Gessler has created both an entertaining guide and an irresistible keepsake for visitors and Charlestonians alike.

Diana Hollingsworth Gessler is the author and illustrator of “Very New Orleans”, “Very Charleston”, and “Very California”. Her watercolors and oil paintings are represented by Shaw Gallery in Naples and Bonita Springs, Florida. She and her husband live in Melbourne, Florida, when they re not traveling.