Book cover of Venice

Book description

Often hailed as one of the best travel books ever written, Venice is neither a guide nor a history book, but a beautifully written immersion in Venetian life and character, set against the background of the city's past. Analysing the particular temperament of Venetians, as well as its waterways, its…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Venice as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Jan Morris’s book is a fantastic discussion about the evolution of Venice. It explores why the city looks as it does, why the inhabitants behave in a particular manner, it explains how the buildings are constructed, why the boats are shaped as they are, how the navy constructed their Arsenale, what is best to eat, and when, what the climate is like and how this has informed behaviour and so much more...

From Sally's list on the future of the interior.

Although this book was published in the 1960s, it is absolutely the best book about Venice, both its history and what it’s like to be there no. Jan Morris was the master of travel writing, and her glorious prose and detailed descriptions take your breath away, even if you don’t yet know anything about Venice.

From Meredith's list on Venice (non-guidebooks).

If you love Venice...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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