Reviews
"Joanne Ferraro's new book is the most illuminating synthetic history of Venice in two generations. She depicts a multicultural metropolis inhabited by international merchants as well as artisan heretics, rebel nuns, and feminist writers. Ferraro shows how real people rather than impersonal institutions and abstract forces made history." - Edward Muir, Northwestern University, "This is an innovative historical reconstruction of the floating city, with fresh perspectives informed by the most up-to-date scholarship. In lively and engaging prose, Ferraro recreates the rich and complex history of Venice before our eyes. Her history of the Venetian Republic will become the standard work for generations to come." - Margaret F. Rosenthal, University of Southern California, "Ferraro is a master storyteller with a rare ability to make everyday life in the lagoon city come alive, while capturing the magic of Venice within a richly textured historical context. Highly recommended reading for all students and lovers of Venice." - Patricia Fortini Brown, emeritus, Princeton University, "The great merit of Ferraro's history of Venice is her synthesis and incorporation of much of that material into what is essentially a history of the Republic." -Dennis Romano, Journal of Interdisciplinary History, This is an innovative historical reconstruction of the floating city, with fresh perspectives informed by the most up-to-date scholarship. In lively and engaging prose, Ferraro recreates the rich and complex history of Venice before our eyes. Her history of the Venetian Republic will become the standard work for generations to come. Margaret F. Rosenthal, University of Southern California", Summarizing recent research, Joanne Ferraro provides a masterful description of the social and cultural history of Venice, viewed here as a cosmopolitan world city, as well as the floating city of our dreams. It is the most reliable and comprehensive account of the 500-year history of Venice available for this generation of readers. Edmund Burke III, University of California, Santa Cruz", Joanne Ferraro s new book is the most illuminating synthetic history of Venice in two generations. She depicts a multicultural metropolis inhabited by international merchants as well as artisan heretics, rebel nuns, and feminist writers. Ferraro shows how real people rather than impersonal institutions and abstract forces made history. Edward Muir, Northwestern University", "Here is an essential book for all lovers of Venice. Dr. Ferraro writes not only with encyclopedic knowledge but with deep affection and understanding. She has taught me a lot." - John Julius Norwich, author of A History of Venice and Paradise of Cities: Venice in the 19th Century, Ferraro is a master storyteller with a rare ability to make everyday life in the lagoon city come alive, while capturing the magic of Venice within a richly textured historical context. Highly recommended reading for all students and lovers of Venice. Patricia Fortini Brown, emeritus, Princeton University", "Summarizing recent research, Joanne Ferraro provides a masterful description of the social and cultural history of Venice, viewed here as a cosmopolitan world city, as well as the floating city of our dreams. It is the most reliable and comprehensive account of the 500-year history of Venice available for this generation of readers." - Edmund Burke III, University of California, Santa Cruz, "This is the best book written to date on the Venetian Republic...In the future, when people want to learn about Venice's history, they'll turn to this book first." -Library Journal, Here is an essential book for all lovers of Venice. Dr. Ferraro writes not only with encyclopedic knowledge but with deep affection and understanding. She has taught me a lot. John Julius Norwich, author of A History of Venice and Paradise of Cities: Venice in the 19th Century", "The great merit of Ferraro s history of Venice is her synthesis and incorporation of much of that material into what is essentially a history of the Republic." -Dennis Romano, Journal of Interdisciplinary History"