Venice: A History
Product ID: 145711107
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Rarely in history has a great city arisen in a less likely place than the islands and mud flats of the Venetian lagoon. But they provided the city's founders with a refuge from the barbarians who had invaded their mainland homes. With energy and ingenuity, these displaced people created a maritime empire of unequaled splendor. At its height, the Republic of Venice was said to encompass "one quarter and one half of one quarter" of the known world. During those years, its merchant princess lived more lavishly than many kings. With the discovery of the New World, however, Venice's trading monopolies were broken. The long, slow decline that followed was protracted and infinitely poignant. Today, the decaying buildings adjoining the Rialto Bridge serve as haunting reminders of the bygone age of La Serenissima, the Most Serene Republic. Here is the dramatic story of the city that was once known as the most beautiful in the world - the bride of the Adriatic and the unchallenged mistress of the Mediterranean. Review: Fascinating - John Davis is a talented writer. His wonderful history tells the story of Venice and its people from the city’s mysterious origins to its height as a Renaissance powerhouse to modern times. As this book makes clear, Venice altered the course of human history, and its people’s contributions to Western civilization are celebrated even today. What I appreciated most about this book, though, is that Davis brings the men and women of Venice vividly to life and does not simply present a chronology of events. I also enjoyed the photo section at the end. Review: Fascinating history - I learned so much about the various political practices, good and bad, that politicians today could benefit from this book. Of course the art and architecture are without measure.
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,554,478 in Kindle Store ( See Top 100 in Kindle Store ) #552 in Historical Italy Biographies #582 in Historical Italian & Roman Biographies #701 in History of Italy |
T**I
Fascinating
John Davis is a talented writer. His wonderful history tells the story of Venice and its people from the city’s mysterious origins to its height as a Renaissance powerhouse to modern times. As this book makes clear, Venice altered the course of human history, and its people’s contributions to Western civilization are celebrated even today. What I appreciated most about this book, though, is that Davis brings the men and women of Venice vividly to life and does not simply present a chronology of events. I also enjoyed the photo section at the end.
G**S
Fascinating history
I learned so much about the various political practices, good and bad, that politicians today could benefit from this book. Of course the art and architecture are without measure.
T**2
Ok for basics
Not much on post 1917 history. Good on art and artists, military history. Ends rather abruptly for a history treatment.
S**E
Truly, and Literally, Fabulous
I picked this book up as research for a novel, but fell under its spell immediately. The author's compelling and articulate descriptions of La Serenísima kept me spellbound through every page. As my favorite city of all, "Venice" revealed a history new to me, along with the most enchanting facts I'd never known before. Bravo for a well-sold story.
A**Y
Well done and useful
This rather short and concise history of Venice begins at the beginning and takes us right to the final ending of Venitian independence after Napolean gobbled her up. I liked it because the high points of her history were illustrated and we did not get bogged down in minute details of the lives and trials of each Doge's rule. I would easily recommend it for those who need a broad brush of the general flow of the history of Venice. It gives the average reader enough detail to have a real feel for the fabulous city. And it points to dramatic historical events that the reader can further explore if they wish.
D**L
A great, quick review of Venice history
This short book contains a concise and enjoyable read of the history of one of the world's most beautiful cities. It gives the reader an insight into why Venice is so unique and why it is so different from many other cities. It should be required reading for anyone planning a trip to Venice.
B**Y
The history is detailed and long
Didn’t realize the history was over 1000 years
J**H
Absolutely Fascinating
Here’s a page-turning history of one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s extraordinary what the Venetians accomplished against all odds. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of the world’s great empires or even armchair travelers.
S**Y
Excellent overview of Venice in a nutshell
This book provides an excellent overview of the complex and colourful history of Venice. The flow is well organised and information well presented and easy to understand even without much historical background or knowledge. Great start point for anyone who wants to gain a birds eyes view of Venice, before diving deeper. Easy, quick and enjoyable read. Highly recommended
G**A
Super.
A fascinating history of Venice. A superb write.
G**S
Wonderful entertainment
A well written, well researched and totally interesting manuscript Suggest reading before visiting this incredible area. Thank you for this.
N**D
Recommend
I found this book discounted on Amazon via BookBub; this is my honest review. Lots of descriptions and quotes, gives us a good portrait of Venice's history which I didn't know about. I had only watched the movie "The Lion of St.Mark" many years ago and I thought it was fascinating. That said, with all the visual feast the author offers, it gives me a desire to visit when I finally go to the other side of my world.
M**Y
One Star
Reasonable
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