Venice

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Peter Ackroyd delivers a magical and evocative portrait of Venice, a city distinct from the rest of Italy due to its unique language and island mentality. This enchanting work transports readers through the sensual and surprising landscape of canals, bridges, and sunlit squares, capturing the essence of its churches, markets, festivals, and flowers. Ackroyd chronicles the city's history, from the arrival of early refugees in the fourth century to the emergence of a powerful mercantile state, its conflicts with Napoleon, and the modern tourist influx. He vividly depicts the merchants of the Rialto, the Jewish community in the ghetto, the renowned glassblowers of Murano, and the artistic legacies of Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, and Tiepolo. The narrative also delves into Venice's darker aspects, exploring its shadowy corners, prisons, wars, scandals, and seductions. Ackroyd's portrayal is reminiscent of his acclaimed work on London, offering a fluid exploration of Venice organized around various themes. Each chapter provides historical context, yet the depiction remains novelistic, both beautiful and rapturous. Reading this account is a glorious journey to the ultimate city, guided by an unparalleled storyteller.