Jean-Pascal Hesse

The art of multiplicity

By Mathilde Hingray

Capri has always fascinated people. From its emblematic sites to its sublime hidden villas, Jean Pascal Hesse reveals the secrets of the most mythical Italian island in history in his book The Eternal Capri.  Best known for running the Pierre Cardin group press department and P.R. for the Lacoste lyrical art and theatre festival, Jean Pascal Hesse was elected in Salon-de-Provence from where he hails, then in Paris where he is deputy mayor of the 8th district. After numerous books and an anthology on the 70-year career of fashion designer Pierre Cardin (with whom he worked closely) the author, who is in love with this legendary island, invites you to discover a Capri which is unknown to the general public. 

“Pierre Cardin often told me his memories of Capri, he made me want to discover this beautiful place where the cliffs plunge into the sea. When I arrived, I had a real crush and was seduced by its landscapes, its history and its anecdotes.   I’ve been going back every summer for 27 years to recharge my batteries.”

His richly documented and illustrated book resurrects the island through its legends, gods, emperors, pirates, authors, poets, artists and celebrities. It also reveals the secrets and anecdotes of its sites. For example, you can learn about Baron Friedrich Alfred Krupp, who built the famous via Krupp and the Fra’ Felice caves, which were the scene of unbridled parties.  You can also delve into the story of Maxim Gorky, who turned Capri into the elite place to be for the Russian diaspora.  Lastly, not forgetting Brigitte Bardot, who had to be persuaded by Moravia and Piccoli and seduced by the magic of the place before she accepted the role in Contempt.

Éditons Gourcuff Gradenigo, 49 €