
Venice
A Literary Guide for Travellers
Marie-Jose Gransard(Author)
I.B. Tauris (Publisher)
Published on 26. January 2016
Book
Hardback
336 pages
978-1-78076-983-7 (ISBN)
Description
"Memory's images, once they are fixed in words, are erased," Marco Polo said. "Perhaps I am afraid of losing Venice all at once, if I speak of it, or perhaps, speaking of other cities, I have already lost it, little by little." -- Italo Calvino, Invisible Cities Venice, 'La Serenissima', is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. A floating labyrinth; the world's greatest museum, frozen in time; a cultural jewel, slowly sinking into the lagoon from which it rose; tourist-trap, irresistible muse. From its earliest beginnings in the 7th century, Venice has been a magnetic centre of trade and culture, wealth and power and has acted as a crossroads for an array of religious pilgrims and refugees, diplomats, crusading armies and merchants. Later, its fabled beauty and reputation as a haven for freedom of expression seduced some of the most celebrated figures in history: artists such as Durer, Bellini and Turner; writers Dickens, Byron, Kafka, Poe, Rousseau, Thomas Mann, Ruskin and Ezra Pound and composers Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Stravinsky.In this riveting guide to literary Venice, the author uncovers the city's myriad secrets, revealing how every floating palace, gilded church and bustling square is imbued with the lives and creations of those who were inspired by the city, which still echoes with their voices.
Reviews / Votes
"A comprehensive and highly entertaining guide to the magical mysteries of Venice as seen through the eyes of the countless writers, artists, musicians, thinkers and lovers to whom it has always offered such unique inspiration." - Anthony HoldenMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
30 bw integrated, 1 map
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78076-983-7 (9781780769837)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
01/2016
I.B. Tauris
€20.99
Available for download
Person
Marie-Jose Gransard teaches a course, 'Venice in Literature', in Cannaregio and conducts tours of the city. She has worked with Hilary Spurling on her biography of Matisse and with Anthony Holden for his biography of Lorenzo da Ponte. She divides her time between Venice and London.
Content
ContentsList of IllustrationsPreface AcknowledgementsMapIntroduction1 Faith, Art and Politics2 Haven and Inspiration3 Illusion and Disillusion4 Grand Tour5 Lust and Love6 Death and Mystery7 Epilogue GlossaryPeople and PlacesChronologyFurther ReadingIndex