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The Venetians: A New History: from Marco Polo to Casanova: Library Edition
The Republic of Venice was the first great economic, cultural, and naval power of the modern Western world.
After winning the struggle for ascendency in the late 13th century, the Republic enjoyed centuries of unprecedented glory and built a trading empire which at its apogee reached as far afield as China, Syria, and West Africa. This golden period only drew to an end with the Republic’s eventual surrender to Napoleon.
The Venetians illuminates the character of the Republic during these illustrious years by shining a light on some of the most celebrated personalities of European history—Petrarch, Marco Polo, Galileo, Titian, Vivaldi, Casanova. Frequently, though, these emblems of the city found themselves at odds with the Venetian authorities, who prized stability above all else, and were notoriously suspicious of any “cult of personality.” Was this very tension perhaps the engine for the Republic’s unprecedented rise?
Rich with biographies of some of the most exalted characters who have ever lived, The Venetians is a refreshing and authoritative new look at the history of the most evocative of city-states.
After winning the struggle for ascendency in the late 13th century, the Republic enjoyed centuries of unprecedented glory and built a trading empire which at its apogee reached as far afield as China, Syria, and West Africa. This golden period only drew to an end with the Republic’s eventual surrender to Napoleon.
The Venetians illuminates the character of the Republic during these illustrious years by shining a light on some of the most celebrated personalities of European history—Petrarch, Marco Polo, Galileo, Titian, Vivaldi, Casanova. Frequently, though, these emblems of the city found themselves at odds with the Venetian authorities, who prized stability above all else, and were notoriously suspicious of any “cult of personality.” Was this very tension perhaps the engine for the Republic’s unprecedented rise?
Rich with biographies of some of the most exalted characters who have ever lived, The Venetians is a refreshing and authoritative new look at the history of the most evocative of city-states.
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First published May 3, 2012
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About the author
Paul Strathern
160 books544 followersPaul Strathern (born 1940) is a English writer and academic. He was born in London, and studied at Trinity College, Dublin, after which he served in the Merchant Navy over a period of two years. He then lived on a Greek island. In 1966 he travelled overland to India and the Himalayas. His novel A Season in Abyssinia won a Somerset Maugham Award in 1972.
Besides five novels, he has also written numerous books on science, philosophy, history, literature, medicine and economics.
Besides five novels, he has also written numerous books on science, philosophy, history, literature, medicine and economics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 20, 2021
A history of the Republic of Venice history from 1295 to 1797, this book is filled with mini biographies of people who were born in or spent time in Venice, including artists, scientists, politicians, musicians, military leaders, and other notables. It was governed by a large Grand Council, and a smaller Council of Ten, which elected the Doge. The book is told in chronological order, starting with Marco Polo’s return to Venice from his adventures abroad.
It is mostly a high-level fly-by. It includes such as Titian, Galileo, Tintoretto, and Vivaldi. It covers major events, naval battles, religious conflicts, trades, gambling, politics, culture, and economics. It ends with Casanova’s exploits and the end of the Republic when it was conquered by Napoleon.
It was a volatile time, with many executions, poisonings, the Inquisition, various outbreaks of plague, and nefarious plots. I found it well-written and informative. Recommended to anyone interested in the history of Venice.
It is mostly a high-level fly-by. It includes such as Titian, Galileo, Tintoretto, and Vivaldi. It covers major events, naval battles, religious conflicts, trades, gambling, politics, culture, and economics. It ends with Casanova’s exploits and the end of the Republic when it was conquered by Napoleon.
It was a volatile time, with many executions, poisonings, the Inquisition, various outbreaks of plague, and nefarious plots. I found it well-written and informative. Recommended to anyone interested in the history of Venice.
March 13, 2022
Who could visit Venice and not fall in love with it? Its picturesque canals, gondolas, and slanting buildings can warm the heart of even the most indifferent traveler. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. The Venetians by Paul Strathern offers a brief overview of the main events and individuals that have shaped this magical place.
Ravaged by plagues and wars, the Republic of Venice established itself as a maritime power to be reckoned with. During its golden age, it controlled Crete, Cyprus, and Constantinople. It produced world-class artists such as Canaletto and Vivaldi and attracted people as distinguished as Copernicus, Galilei, and Petrarch. The Venetian printer Manutius invented the italic typeface, and his compatriot Tartaglia came up with a general solution to cubic equations. The famous philanderers Da Ponte and Casanova were Venetians too. And so were many other larger-than-life characters, including Lupazzoli, who allegedly fathered 24 legitimate and 105 illegitimate children before dying at the age of 115.
The Republic was ruled by a doge elected by the Great Council of Venice. Over time, the doge’s role became more and more ornamental. One thing, however, remained constant: the Venetian pragmatism. It was common to disregard justice, morals, and promises in order to gain pecuniary advantage. That is, humans were less valuable than money.
All in all, The Venetians is a light yet informative read. Paul Strathern has created a compelling story interwoven with fun facts and brutal atrocities. A story of victory and defeat, rise and fall, passion and hate, logic and superstition, knowledge and ignorance, honor and disgrace, loyalty and treachery. A story of Venice.
Ravaged by plagues and wars, the Republic of Venice established itself as a maritime power to be reckoned with. During its golden age, it controlled Crete, Cyprus, and Constantinople. It produced world-class artists such as Canaletto and Vivaldi and attracted people as distinguished as Copernicus, Galilei, and Petrarch. The Venetian printer Manutius invented the italic typeface, and his compatriot Tartaglia came up with a general solution to cubic equations. The famous philanderers Da Ponte and Casanova were Venetians too. And so were many other larger-than-life characters, including Lupazzoli, who allegedly fathered 24 legitimate and 105 illegitimate children before dying at the age of 115.
The Republic was ruled by a doge elected by the Great Council of Venice. Over time, the doge’s role became more and more ornamental. One thing, however, remained constant: the Venetian pragmatism. It was common to disregard justice, morals, and promises in order to gain pecuniary advantage. That is, humans were less valuable than money.
All in all, The Venetians is a light yet informative read. Paul Strathern has created a compelling story interwoven with fun facts and brutal atrocities. A story of victory and defeat, rise and fall, passion and hate, logic and superstition, knowledge and ignorance, honor and disgrace, loyalty and treachery. A story of Venice.
January 11, 2014
A nice study of the high and low points in Venetian history. There is a focus on Venice's rise and fall as a maritime power in the Mediterranean; her political relations with the other sea-states of Italy, especially Genoa, and with the enemies of Christendom, the Ottomans. There is an illuminating chapter focusing on Venetian women - its courtesans, its noble women, and its notorious women - I enjoyed these chapters as this area of history is of interest to me.
This book will suit the general student of history as it covers a broad range of topics - warfare, art & music, its people and its history (the period covered is from the 13th century onwards).
This book will suit the general student of history as it covers a broad range of topics - warfare, art & music, its people and its history (the period covered is from the 13th century onwards).
July 6, 2017
With summer holidays coming up, and many of us dreaming about foreign shores, it seems on the face of it that The Spirit of Venice: From Marco Polo to Casanova has been published at just the right time. Strathern outlines in his introduction that he has attempted to describe Venice’s most famous inhabitants ‘against the background of events that over the centuries forged and finally destroyed the most powerful of all Mediterranean cities’.
Its premise is fascinating, but sadly it does not always deliver. Its introduction is incredibly short and only covers two printed pages. Whilst it is informative on the whole, there is no real reasoning which Strathern gives for wanting to undertake such a project, which is a shame as such a personal addition would have been a nice touch to the volume. The book has been split into four separate sections – ‘Expansion’, ‘The Imperial Age’, ‘The Long Decline’ and ‘Dissolution and Fall’, and it begins in 1295 with Marco Polo. Strathern has used quotes from additional sources throughout, ranging from the thoughts of Marco Polo and the unnamed ‘man to whom Polo would one day dictate the story of his travels’, to Byzantine Emperor John VI Cantacuzenus and Dante Alighieri.
The historical background of Venice is set out well, and Strathern features early cases of germ warfare, slavery, a dearth of manpower in fields and homes, the doges of Venice, Cretan rebellions and travel in and out of the city. The overriding focus in the book, however, is upon battles, warfare and the use of the Navy. Whilst this is evidently important in terms of Venice as a whole, this aspect feels rather overdone. In rather an ironic consequence, The Spirit of Venice does not present the spirit of the city as well as it could.
Whilst The Spirit of Venice is an interesting volume for the most part, it feels overly academic in its style, and is rather bogged down in small details, some of which do not hold much importance in the grand scheme of things. The writing can feel dense, and at times the reader has to wade through its pages. Sadly it is rather a weighty tome and is probably not the easiest book to cart around with you whilst on your trip, but it is one which can be dipped into beforehand. As far as history books pertaining to Venice go, this is rather interesting at times, but there must be far more accessible tomes ot there, which may even be lightweight enough to take with you on your travels.
Its premise is fascinating, but sadly it does not always deliver. Its introduction is incredibly short and only covers two printed pages. Whilst it is informative on the whole, there is no real reasoning which Strathern gives for wanting to undertake such a project, which is a shame as such a personal addition would have been a nice touch to the volume. The book has been split into four separate sections – ‘Expansion’, ‘The Imperial Age’, ‘The Long Decline’ and ‘Dissolution and Fall’, and it begins in 1295 with Marco Polo. Strathern has used quotes from additional sources throughout, ranging from the thoughts of Marco Polo and the unnamed ‘man to whom Polo would one day dictate the story of his travels’, to Byzantine Emperor John VI Cantacuzenus and Dante Alighieri.
The historical background of Venice is set out well, and Strathern features early cases of germ warfare, slavery, a dearth of manpower in fields and homes, the doges of Venice, Cretan rebellions and travel in and out of the city. The overriding focus in the book, however, is upon battles, warfare and the use of the Navy. Whilst this is evidently important in terms of Venice as a whole, this aspect feels rather overdone. In rather an ironic consequence, The Spirit of Venice does not present the spirit of the city as well as it could.
Whilst The Spirit of Venice is an interesting volume for the most part, it feels overly academic in its style, and is rather bogged down in small details, some of which do not hold much importance in the grand scheme of things. The writing can feel dense, and at times the reader has to wade through its pages. Sadly it is rather a weighty tome and is probably not the easiest book to cart around with you whilst on your trip, but it is one which can be dipped into beforehand. As far as history books pertaining to Venice go, this is rather interesting at times, but there must be far more accessible tomes ot there, which may even be lightweight enough to take with you on your travels.
February 8, 2014
The Venetians
Though the secondary name says it all, this is a view of the 1,000 year “Republic of Venice” seen through the lives of some of its’ most glorious sons and daughters. It’s a different style history and Paul Strathern makes it work to perfection. By giving us the backgrounds of the lead “characters” he is also able to show the changing sociological and historical trends that beset the ‘most serene Republic’.
Never truly a ‘Republic’ in the modern sense, Venice was first more like an elected monarchy. The large ‘Grand Council’ of nobles (who were listed in the Golden Book), elected a ‘Council of Ten’ (who ran the day to day administration of the city) who in turn elected the ‘Doge’ (who served for life). No ‘Doge’ ever followed a member of their own family so as to prevent ‘dynasties’ from being formed.
Over the years the ‘Ten’ became an oligarchy and slowly weakened the position of the Doge to where the post became more like a ‘constitutional monarch’ with little real power. Like any oligarchy, over the years the power of the Ten became came down to a few factions of powerful families and the administration of the city became entrenched.
The ‘power’ of Venice always resided in its’ economic power and therefore would wax and wane over the years. The amount of mainland property that the city controlled was usually related to places where ‘factories’ were set-up to facilitate trade or to protect trade routes. Because of its’ small population, at most times the city depended on mercenaries to fight its’ wars. With the loss of economic power came loss of military power and the Republic was ‘snuffed’ out by Napoleon without a whimper at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
A good and different view of the city’s history than those by Jan Morris or John Julius Norwich, but a fine addition to the voluminous histories of Venice.
Zeb Kantrowitz
Though the secondary name says it all, this is a view of the 1,000 year “Republic of Venice” seen through the lives of some of its’ most glorious sons and daughters. It’s a different style history and Paul Strathern makes it work to perfection. By giving us the backgrounds of the lead “characters” he is also able to show the changing sociological and historical trends that beset the ‘most serene Republic’.
Never truly a ‘Republic’ in the modern sense, Venice was first more like an elected monarchy. The large ‘Grand Council’ of nobles (who were listed in the Golden Book), elected a ‘Council of Ten’ (who ran the day to day administration of the city) who in turn elected the ‘Doge’ (who served for life). No ‘Doge’ ever followed a member of their own family so as to prevent ‘dynasties’ from being formed.
Over the years the ‘Ten’ became an oligarchy and slowly weakened the position of the Doge to where the post became more like a ‘constitutional monarch’ with little real power. Like any oligarchy, over the years the power of the Ten became came down to a few factions of powerful families and the administration of the city became entrenched.
The ‘power’ of Venice always resided in its’ economic power and therefore would wax and wane over the years. The amount of mainland property that the city controlled was usually related to places where ‘factories’ were set-up to facilitate trade or to protect trade routes. Because of its’ small population, at most times the city depended on mercenaries to fight its’ wars. With the loss of economic power came loss of military power and the Republic was ‘snuffed’ out by Napoleon without a whimper at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
A good and different view of the city’s history than those by Jan Morris or John Julius Norwich, but a fine addition to the voluminous histories of Venice.
Zeb Kantrowitz
October 18, 2025
Strathern has become my favorite author on Italy’s history, because his accessible writing is filled with mini biographies of the people who defined their time and place.
“The Venetians” is no exception, though I admit I was fatigued by the near constant state of war, making me wonder if “La Serenissima” wasn’t an aspirational moniker. In any case, the elegance of Venice, then and now, fulfilled that promise.
Highly recommend pairing this book with a visit to the city, and to perhaps a few other places in the Veneto, like Verona or Padua. As good writing should, it changes what you see there, enriching both the trip and the reading.
“The Venetians” is no exception, though I admit I was fatigued by the near constant state of war, making me wonder if “La Serenissima” wasn’t an aspirational moniker. In any case, the elegance of Venice, then and now, fulfilled that promise.
Highly recommend pairing this book with a visit to the city, and to perhaps a few other places in the Veneto, like Verona or Padua. As good writing should, it changes what you see there, enriching both the trip and the reading.
March 29, 2017
The history of Italy after the fall of the Roman Empire is such a chaotic and fractured thing that it's a hard story to tell. In focusing on the major characters and events in one Italian city, from Marco Polo to Casanova, Straithorn is able to keep things interesting and coherent. I enjoyed this book.
June 9, 2016
Oh gosh. According Goodreads, I started reading the book in 2014 and finished in 2016. Haha. What can I say, I wasn't so much inclined towards history books at that time. I guess the details and the many characters within is quite overwhelming for me. But I have to thank the Romans for igniting in me love for historical books!
So I was lucky enough, that on my second trip to this city, I get to spend a whole day all by myself. I think I've written and re-written this in so many different blog posts/writing, but it was on a very fine spring day, dew falling from the leaves, birds chirping, fresh wind blowing, and you get to get lost in the small streets next to the small canals, passing the bridges, dropping by a supermarket to get some cheese, see university kids going to school, a simple pleasure to just walking around the city. Gosh that time was so lovely.
Anyways, as one of the city I've enjoyed traveling the most, I felt obliged and well, simply curious, to know more about it. The book was a good gateway towards it. It tells about the history of the city as an independent republic especially through the eyes of its many interesting characters. It's such a fun thing that when I get the chance to go again to the city, I was able to pinpoint towards the Bridge of Spies (Ponte dei Sospiri) 'Hey, you see that tiny window on the enclosed bridge? That's where convicts were taken down to their cell, and they got this one last chance to see the beautiful city. Cruel, eh?'. Or passing by Piazza san Marco and pointed out, where traitors of the city were hanged. Or simply understanding that the massive Doge's palace interior used to be filled by people from the government, running this expansive city. Or, having known the history, sat down to contemplate how time has passed, and the once so called great republic is now a city simply for tourists (really. I went another time with my husband, and we stayed a little late in the city and saw most workers in the city head back to the mainland. It seems mostly only tourists stayed).
See, now I'm just reminiscing my memories there!
Back to the book! After I started to finish the book earlier this year, I was easily engrossed in it, by how prostitutes lived and make a living there, of the conflict between competing countries around Venice and how a Venetian princess had to be married of to Cyprus and later on identified herself more as a Cpyress rather than Venetian and how life became so difficult for her because people tried to take advantage or on the contrary closed her access to any luxury of life so people can take away Cyprus from her, how the minorities lived in the city, ah, so interesting and full of exciting details! It is in fact a very readable history book, and surely helps to enjoy your trip to Venice or simply just to know the history of this once great city!
So I was lucky enough, that on my second trip to this city, I get to spend a whole day all by myself. I think I've written and re-written this in so many different blog posts/writing, but it was on a very fine spring day, dew falling from the leaves, birds chirping, fresh wind blowing, and you get to get lost in the small streets next to the small canals, passing the bridges, dropping by a supermarket to get some cheese, see university kids going to school, a simple pleasure to just walking around the city. Gosh that time was so lovely.
Anyways, as one of the city I've enjoyed traveling the most, I felt obliged and well, simply curious, to know more about it. The book was a good gateway towards it. It tells about the history of the city as an independent republic especially through the eyes of its many interesting characters. It's such a fun thing that when I get the chance to go again to the city, I was able to pinpoint towards the Bridge of Spies (Ponte dei Sospiri) 'Hey, you see that tiny window on the enclosed bridge? That's where convicts were taken down to their cell, and they got this one last chance to see the beautiful city. Cruel, eh?'. Or passing by Piazza san Marco and pointed out, where traitors of the city were hanged. Or simply understanding that the massive Doge's palace interior used to be filled by people from the government, running this expansive city. Or, having known the history, sat down to contemplate how time has passed, and the once so called great republic is now a city simply for tourists (really. I went another time with my husband, and we stayed a little late in the city and saw most workers in the city head back to the mainland. It seems mostly only tourists stayed).
See, now I'm just reminiscing my memories there!
Back to the book! After I started to finish the book earlier this year, I was easily engrossed in it, by how prostitutes lived and make a living there, of the conflict between competing countries around Venice and how a Venetian princess had to be married of to Cyprus and later on identified herself more as a Cpyress rather than Venetian and how life became so difficult for her because people tried to take advantage or on the contrary closed her access to any luxury of life so people can take away Cyprus from her, how the minorities lived in the city, ah, so interesting and full of exciting details! It is in fact a very readable history book, and surely helps to enjoy your trip to Venice or simply just to know the history of this once great city!
February 13, 2014
The author Paul Strathern took on a considerable task in boiling down 500 years of Venetian history into 333 pages, but he did so in a very entertaining and thought-provoking way. This is not a straight chronological history. Instead the book bounces back-and-forth among different threads (political, civil, military, cultural, etc.), and I think the work is the better for it.
If you find yourself put off by the first 1/3 of the book, hang in there. The early chapters recount the seemingly endless wars and battles between Venice and its many rivals, often the Genoese or the Ottoman Turks. This sets the environment in which all of the other threads exist (opera, visual arts, literature, science, etc.) and adds to the reader's understanding of the complete Venetian picture. Later in the book, you will learn the origin of words such as "ghetto", "gazette", and "casino". I found it really interesting to learn how our lives today are invisibly affected by what transpired in Venice 200, 300 and 400 years ago.
The author does not say it, but I could not help but notice the parallels between the history of the Venetian Republic and the role of the United States in the present world. Venice achieved superiority in its universe of Mediterranean Europe and the Levant. Time and again, Venice pursued policies that favored short-term mercantile gain over their longer term viability. Their political system was designed to create weak leaders who could never take control from the collective rule of noble families. The Council of Ten employed a network of spies to discover and eliminate challenges to societal orthodoxy. Venice incurred considerable debt to maintain its lavish and libertine lifestyle, which weakened it over time. In the end, Venice disappeared from the world stage slowly but completely. Like the frog in the pot of slowly heating water, the Venetians likely didn't perceive their decline, generation after generation, until one day the Republic was no more.
If you find yourself put off by the first 1/3 of the book, hang in there. The early chapters recount the seemingly endless wars and battles between Venice and its many rivals, often the Genoese or the Ottoman Turks. This sets the environment in which all of the other threads exist (opera, visual arts, literature, science, etc.) and adds to the reader's understanding of the complete Venetian picture. Later in the book, you will learn the origin of words such as "ghetto", "gazette", and "casino". I found it really interesting to learn how our lives today are invisibly affected by what transpired in Venice 200, 300 and 400 years ago.
The author does not say it, but I could not help but notice the parallels between the history of the Venetian Republic and the role of the United States in the present world. Venice achieved superiority in its universe of Mediterranean Europe and the Levant. Time and again, Venice pursued policies that favored short-term mercantile gain over their longer term viability. Their political system was designed to create weak leaders who could never take control from the collective rule of noble families. The Council of Ten employed a network of spies to discover and eliminate challenges to societal orthodoxy. Venice incurred considerable debt to maintain its lavish and libertine lifestyle, which weakened it over time. In the end, Venice disappeared from the world stage slowly but completely. Like the frog in the pot of slowly heating water, the Venetians likely didn't perceive their decline, generation after generation, until one day the Republic was no more.
Want to read
February 16, 2016Paul Strathern, "The Venetians: A New History: From Marco Polo to Casanova"
ISBN: 1605984892 | 2013 | EPUB/MOBI | 368 pages
Description: A colorful new history of Venice that illuminates the character of the great city-state by shining a light on some of the most celebrated personalities of European historyΓÇöPetrarch, Marco Polo, Galileo, Titian, Vivaldi, and Casanova.
The Republic of Venice was the first great economic, cultural, and naval power of the modern Western world. After winning the struggle for ascendency in the late 13th century, the Republic enjoyed centuries of unprecedented glory and built a trading empire which at its apogee reached as far afield as China, Syria and West Africa. This golden period only drew to an end with the RepublicΓÇÖs eventual surrender to Napoleon.
The Venetians illuminates the character of the Republic during these illustrious years by shining a light on some of the most celebrated personalities of European historyΓÇöPetrarch, Marco Polo, Galileo, Titian, Vivaldi, Casanova. Frequently, though, these emblems of the city found themselves at odds with the Venetian authorities who prized stability above all else, and were notoriously suspicious of any "cult of personality." Was this very tension perhaps the engine for the RepublicΓÇÖs unprecedented rise?
Rich with biographies of some of the most exalted characters who have ever lived, The Venetians is a refreshing and authoritative new look at the history of the most evocative of city states.
16 pages of B&W and color photographs
ISBN: 1605984892 | 2013 | EPUB/MOBI | 368 pages
Description: A colorful new history of Venice that illuminates the character of the great city-state by shining a light on some of the most celebrated personalities of European historyΓÇöPetrarch, Marco Polo, Galileo, Titian, Vivaldi, and Casanova.
The Republic of Venice was the first great economic, cultural, and naval power of the modern Western world. After winning the struggle for ascendency in the late 13th century, the Republic enjoyed centuries of unprecedented glory and built a trading empire which at its apogee reached as far afield as China, Syria and West Africa. This golden period only drew to an end with the RepublicΓÇÖs eventual surrender to Napoleon.
The Venetians illuminates the character of the Republic during these illustrious years by shining a light on some of the most celebrated personalities of European historyΓÇöPetrarch, Marco Polo, Galileo, Titian, Vivaldi, Casanova. Frequently, though, these emblems of the city found themselves at odds with the Venetian authorities who prized stability above all else, and were notoriously suspicious of any "cult of personality." Was this very tension perhaps the engine for the RepublicΓÇÖs unprecedented rise?
Rich with biographies of some of the most exalted characters who have ever lived, The Venetians is a refreshing and authoritative new look at the history of the most evocative of city states.
16 pages of B&W and color photographs
July 28, 2014
I chose this book to learn about the colorful characters that ruled and lived in the Venetian Republic. I was not disappointed as the author took considerable effort to provide as much information (factual, deduced, assumed, or otherwise) about this area as possible. During the peaceful times in it's history, I was not as engaged as when changes in leadership due to war or coup were discussed. I would recommend this book to those who have an interest in Italian history, history of Christian's and their relationship with the Ottoman Empire, and those who are fans of naval or military history, as different sections of the book deal with each of these categories.
May 29, 2013
It is definitely a well written book and I have learned tons about history of Venice. However, I can't help feel disappointed as the title gives the impression of a more cultural and social history focused book. Unfortunately a 75% of the book is purely military history. I did not find much of that "spirit" to which the title of the book refers.
February 9, 2022
A nice narrative history that made me regret my choice of the Las Vegas Venetian as the site of my honeymoon.
November 5, 2024
"Wenecja" to fascynująca książka, która zabiera nas w podróż przez historię, kulturę i tajemnice jednego z najbardziej ikonicznych miast świata. Miałam już okazję czytać książkę tego autora o Florencji więc byłam bardzo ciekawa w jaki sposób opisze inne włoskie miasto. Autor znany jest z pisania książek łączących historię z literackimi i filozoficznymi refleksjami, a w tej pozycji skupia się on na Wenecji, nie tylko jako na miejskim organizmie, ale również jako na przestrzeni, która od wieków inspirowała artystów, myślicieli, władców i podróżników. Do tej pory Wenecja głównie kojarzyła mi się jako miasto nad wodą, z kanałami, miasto romantyczne. A jeśli mam być w 100% z wami szczera to moim pierwszym skojarzeniem są sceny z filmu Indiana Jones i Ostatnia Krucjata (nie ukrywam, że uwielbiam Harrisona Forda 😍)
Książek Stratherna nie da się określić jako biografie miast czy podręczniki turystyczne. I tak samo jest w tym wypadku. Autor przedstawia nam historię Wenecji, która jest pełna intrygujących wydarzeń od czasów rzymskich aż po współczesność. Poznajemy wpływ miasta na rozwój sztuki, architektury i literatury, bowiem było ono centrum renesansowego i barokowego rozkwitu. Strathern opisuje w książce także rozwój polityczny, społeczny i gospodarczy miasta, ale i również strukturę społeczną i religijną. Nie da się ukryć, że Wenecja była jednym z najpotężniejszych, ale jednocześnie najbardziej tajemniczych ośrodków w Europie.
Chociaż mogło by się wydawać, że tego typu książki są ciężkie i czyta się je długo to nie w wypadku twórczości Paula Stratherna. Autor pisze w sposób przystępny i angażujący. Jego styl jest płynny i zrozumiały dla czytelnika. Balansuje on między faktami a refleksjami, dzięki czemu książka nie jest taką suchą opowieścią o faktach historycznych, innymi słowami dla niektórych nudną, ale raczej literacką medytacją nad istotą Wenecji, co sprawia, że chce się tę książkę pochłonąć.
Oczywiście nie brakuje tutaj rozważań na temat współczesnej Wenecji. Autor pisze o problemach z którymi zmaga się miasto – od turystyki masowej, przez zmiany klimatyczne, po zagrożenie dla samej struktury architektonicznej miasta. W ten sposób książka staje się również apelem o zachowanie dziedzictwa Wenecji i refleksję nad przyszłością tego niepowtarzalnego miejsca.
„Wenecja” to zdecydowanie książka dla osób, które interesują się historią, ale nie tylko. To pozycja dla każdego, kto fascynuje się tym miastem; dla tych którzy w Wenecji byli i zakochali się w tym mieście, ale i dla tych, którzy marzą o podróży do tego romantycznego miejsca, bowiem skrywa ono w sobie zdecydowanie więcej niż tylko piękne widoki i kanały.
Książek Stratherna nie da się określić jako biografie miast czy podręczniki turystyczne. I tak samo jest w tym wypadku. Autor przedstawia nam historię Wenecji, która jest pełna intrygujących wydarzeń od czasów rzymskich aż po współczesność. Poznajemy wpływ miasta na rozwój sztuki, architektury i literatury, bowiem było ono centrum renesansowego i barokowego rozkwitu. Strathern opisuje w książce także rozwój polityczny, społeczny i gospodarczy miasta, ale i również strukturę społeczną i religijną. Nie da się ukryć, że Wenecja była jednym z najpotężniejszych, ale jednocześnie najbardziej tajemniczych ośrodków w Europie.
Chociaż mogło by się wydawać, że tego typu książki są ciężkie i czyta się je długo to nie w wypadku twórczości Paula Stratherna. Autor pisze w sposób przystępny i angażujący. Jego styl jest płynny i zrozumiały dla czytelnika. Balansuje on między faktami a refleksjami, dzięki czemu książka nie jest taką suchą opowieścią o faktach historycznych, innymi słowami dla niektórych nudną, ale raczej literacką medytacją nad istotą Wenecji, co sprawia, że chce się tę książkę pochłonąć.
Oczywiście nie brakuje tutaj rozważań na temat współczesnej Wenecji. Autor pisze o problemach z którymi zmaga się miasto – od turystyki masowej, przez zmiany klimatyczne, po zagrożenie dla samej struktury architektonicznej miasta. W ten sposób książka staje się również apelem o zachowanie dziedzictwa Wenecji i refleksję nad przyszłością tego niepowtarzalnego miejsca.
„Wenecja” to zdecydowanie książka dla osób, które interesują się historią, ale nie tylko. To pozycja dla każdego, kto fascynuje się tym miastem; dla tych którzy w Wenecji byli i zakochali się w tym mieście, ale i dla tych, którzy marzą o podróży do tego romantycznego miejsca, bowiem skrywa ono w sobie zdecydowanie więcej niż tylko piękne widoki i kanały.
November 19, 2024
📚
❓ Co sprawia, że Wenecja, miasto zbudowane na wodzie, od wieków zachwyca, inspiruje i intryguje? Czy jest to jej niezwykła architektura, pełna splendoru historia, a może postacie takie jak Marco Polo czy Casanova, które wpisały się w jej wyjątkowe dzieje?
🔍 Tytuł: „Wenecja. Od Marco Polo do Casanovy”
Autor: Paul Strathern
🔍 „Wenecja. Od Marco Polo do Casanovy” to literacka podróż przez historię jednego z najbardziej niezwykłych miast świata. Paul Strathern zabiera czytelnika w fascynującą wędrówkę przez wieki, od czasów, gdy Wenecja była skromną osadą na lagunie, aż po jej lata świetności jako potęgi handlowej i kulturowej. Strathern nie tylko przybliża czytelnikowi najważniejsze wydarzenia z dziejów Republiki Weneckiej, ale także z czułością i precyzją oddaje ducha miejsca, które przez stulecia było inspiracją dla artystów, podróżników i myślicieli.
🔍 Autor mistrzowsko łączy tło historyczne z osobistymi historiami kluczowych postaci, które odegrały ważną rolę w dziejach miasta. Marco Polo, jeden z najsłynniejszych odkrywców świata, jest przedstawiony nie tylko jako podróżnik, ale jako symbol weneckiego ducha przedsiębiorczości i odwagi. Z kolei Casanova, ikona romansu i dekadencji, obrazuje schyłek świetności Wenecji, gdy miasto powoli traciło swoją dawną pozycję w Europie.
🔍 Strathern opisuje Wenecję nie tylko jako miejsce wielkich wydarzeń, ale również jako przestrzeń pełną codziennego życia, przepychu i dramatów, które naznaczyły jej historię. Autor zwraca uwagę na kontrasty miasta – od potęgi handlowej, która zbudowała jego bogactwo, po walkę z naturą, która nieustannie zagraża jego istnieniu.
🔍 Książka ta jest czymś więcej niż podręcznikiem historii – to poetycka opowieść o miejscu, które wciąż inspiruje i zachwyca swoją niepowtarzalnością. Paul Strathern z pasją oddaje hołd Wenecji, ukazując jej złożoność i piękno.
🔽 „Wenecja. Od Marco Polo do Casanovy” to propozycja dla każdego, kto pragnie nie tylko poznać historię miasta, ale także poczuć jego niepowtarzalny klimat. Dla miłośników podróży, kultury i historii – ta książka to prawdziwa uczta.
❓ Co sprawia, że Wenecja, miasto zbudowane na wodzie, od wieków zachwyca, inspiruje i intryguje? Czy jest to jej niezwykła architektura, pełna splendoru historia, a może postacie takie jak Marco Polo czy Casanova, które wpisały się w jej wyjątkowe dzieje?
🔍 Tytuł: „Wenecja. Od Marco Polo do Casanovy”
Autor: Paul Strathern
🔍 „Wenecja. Od Marco Polo do Casanovy” to literacka podróż przez historię jednego z najbardziej niezwykłych miast świata. Paul Strathern zabiera czytelnika w fascynującą wędrówkę przez wieki, od czasów, gdy Wenecja była skromną osadą na lagunie, aż po jej lata świetności jako potęgi handlowej i kulturowej. Strathern nie tylko przybliża czytelnikowi najważniejsze wydarzenia z dziejów Republiki Weneckiej, ale także z czułością i precyzją oddaje ducha miejsca, które przez stulecia było inspiracją dla artystów, podróżników i myślicieli.
🔍 Autor mistrzowsko łączy tło historyczne z osobistymi historiami kluczowych postaci, które odegrały ważną rolę w dziejach miasta. Marco Polo, jeden z najsłynniejszych odkrywców świata, jest przedstawiony nie tylko jako podróżnik, ale jako symbol weneckiego ducha przedsiębiorczości i odwagi. Z kolei Casanova, ikona romansu i dekadencji, obrazuje schyłek świetności Wenecji, gdy miasto powoli traciło swoją dawną pozycję w Europie.
🔍 Strathern opisuje Wenecję nie tylko jako miejsce wielkich wydarzeń, ale również jako przestrzeń pełną codziennego życia, przepychu i dramatów, które naznaczyły jej historię. Autor zwraca uwagę na kontrasty miasta – od potęgi handlowej, która zbudowała jego bogactwo, po walkę z naturą, która nieustannie zagraża jego istnieniu.
🔍 Książka ta jest czymś więcej niż podręcznikiem historii – to poetycka opowieść o miejscu, które wciąż inspiruje i zachwyca swoją niepowtarzalnością. Paul Strathern z pasją oddaje hołd Wenecji, ukazując jej złożoność i piękno.
🔽 „Wenecja. Od Marco Polo do Casanovy” to propozycja dla każdego, kto pragnie nie tylko poznać historię miasta, ale także poczuć jego niepowtarzalny klimat. Dla miłośników podróży, kultury i historii – ta książka to prawdziwa uczta.
November 3, 2024
Marco Polo, Casanova - ale nie tylko: Colleoni, kobiety, architektura, muzyka... Łączy ich jedno - Wenecja. Czy do końca odkryta? Wydawnictwo Hi:story wychodzi nam naprzeciw i oferuję porządną dawkę wiedzy i ciekawostek. Gotowi na wycieczkę po mieście zakochanych? Zapraszam....
Co łączy pierwszy teleskop Galileusza, szkło z wyspy Murano, podróże Marco Polo i uwodzicielskiego Casanovę?
Wenecja.
Przechadzaj się ramię w ramię z wybitnymi umysłami, które stanowiły o potędze miasta zabudowanego na wyspach.
Przenieś się do miasta, które tętni życiem i wspaniałą architekturą.
Poznaj biografie najbardziej znaczących i fascynujących postaci, jakie kiedykolwiek żyły.
Dzięki tej książce odkryjesz Wenecję na nowo. (Opis)
I tak - wiedzy tej historycznej, faktograficznej tu nie brakuje. Autor na 472 stronach zawarł potężną dawkę historii, począwszy od wielkiej ekspansji, poprzez epokę imperialną, zmierzch, bitwy, rewolucje, kończąc na rozpadzie tego miasta. Książka została okraszona mapkami, grafiką i fotografiami, a w moim odczuciu mogłoby być ich ciut więcej, wtedy na pewno byłaby atrakcyjniejsza dla czytelnika. Język narracji jest jasny, zrozumiały, przystępny - a spora ilość ciekawostek, związanych z historią, obyczajowością, gospodarką, polityką i innymi dziedzinami sprawiała że książkę czytało się naprawdę dobrze.
Ta książka to nie lada gratka nie tylko dla miłośników historii, ale też dla osób, chcących zgłębić wiedzę na temat Wenecji - jej początków, burzliwej historii i spektularnego końca....
"W jednej bitwie stracili to, co z takim trudem zdobyli w ciągu ośmiuset lat"
Zainteresowani?
Co łączy pierwszy teleskop Galileusza, szkło z wyspy Murano, podróże Marco Polo i uwodzicielskiego Casanovę?
Wenecja.
Przechadzaj się ramię w ramię z wybitnymi umysłami, które stanowiły o potędze miasta zabudowanego na wyspach.
Przenieś się do miasta, które tętni życiem i wspaniałą architekturą.
Poznaj biografie najbardziej znaczących i fascynujących postaci, jakie kiedykolwiek żyły.
Dzięki tej książce odkryjesz Wenecję na nowo. (Opis)
I tak - wiedzy tej historycznej, faktograficznej tu nie brakuje. Autor na 472 stronach zawarł potężną dawkę historii, począwszy od wielkiej ekspansji, poprzez epokę imperialną, zmierzch, bitwy, rewolucje, kończąc na rozpadzie tego miasta. Książka została okraszona mapkami, grafiką i fotografiami, a w moim odczuciu mogłoby być ich ciut więcej, wtedy na pewno byłaby atrakcyjniejsza dla czytelnika. Język narracji jest jasny, zrozumiały, przystępny - a spora ilość ciekawostek, związanych z historią, obyczajowością, gospodarką, polityką i innymi dziedzinami sprawiała że książkę czytało się naprawdę dobrze.
Ta książka to nie lada gratka nie tylko dla miłośników historii, ale też dla osób, chcących zgłębić wiedzę na temat Wenecji - jej początków, burzliwej historii i spektularnego końca....
"W jednej bitwie stracili to, co z takim trudem zdobyli w ciągu ośmiuset lat"
Zainteresowani?
November 7, 2024
"Wenecja. Od Marco Polo do Casanovy" to świetna książka historyczna opowiadająca o losach tego miasta od XIII do XXI wieku.
Napisana jest lekkim i przystępnym językiem, do tego pełna jest ciekawych informacji, co powoduje że czyta się ją bardzo dobrze i szybko. Łatwo przepaść w historii tego miasta.
To opowieść o Wenecji - o tym jak radziła sobie na przestrzeni wieków, opisane są tutaj różne wydarzenia od gwałtownej ekspansji do upadku miasta. Przeczytamy tutaj o gospodarce, ekonomii, historii, polityce ale również o klęskach jak trzęsienia ziemi czy epidemia. Dowiemy się także czegoś o architekturze i sztuce. To opowieść o ludziach, którzy wpłynęli i ukształtowali to miasto, a także o jego słynnych mieszkańcach jak Tycjan czy tytułowi Marco Polo i Casanova.
To nie są po prostu losy wyjątkowego miasta, to również złożona wieloaspektowa lektura. Nie dotyczy tylko przeszłości, autor porusza również tematykę teraźniejszości, przywołuje dzisiejsze, aktualne problemy z jakimi boryka się to miasto, jak turystyka.
Ponadto w książce znajdziemy ilustracje i zdjęcia, które doskonale uzupełniają treść lektury.
Uważam, że jest to wartościowy i bardzo ciekawy tytuł. Dowiedziałam się wielu interesujących rzeczy, a przy tym dobrze się bawiłam z powodu lekkiego pióra autora.
Jeśli macie w planach podróż do Wenecji, lubicie historię, albo po prostu chcecie się dowiedzieć więcej o tym mieście ta książka jest dla Was! Jest naprawdę warta lektury. Polecam!
Napisana jest lekkim i przystępnym językiem, do tego pełna jest ciekawych informacji, co powoduje że czyta się ją bardzo dobrze i szybko. Łatwo przepaść w historii tego miasta.
To opowieść o Wenecji - o tym jak radziła sobie na przestrzeni wieków, opisane są tutaj różne wydarzenia od gwałtownej ekspansji do upadku miasta. Przeczytamy tutaj o gospodarce, ekonomii, historii, polityce ale również o klęskach jak trzęsienia ziemi czy epidemia. Dowiemy się także czegoś o architekturze i sztuce. To opowieść o ludziach, którzy wpłynęli i ukształtowali to miasto, a także o jego słynnych mieszkańcach jak Tycjan czy tytułowi Marco Polo i Casanova.
To nie są po prostu losy wyjątkowego miasta, to również złożona wieloaspektowa lektura. Nie dotyczy tylko przeszłości, autor porusza również tematykę teraźniejszości, przywołuje dzisiejsze, aktualne problemy z jakimi boryka się to miasto, jak turystyka.
Ponadto w książce znajdziemy ilustracje i zdjęcia, które doskonale uzupełniają treść lektury.
Uważam, że jest to wartościowy i bardzo ciekawy tytuł. Dowiedziałam się wielu interesujących rzeczy, a przy tym dobrze się bawiłam z powodu lekkiego pióra autora.
Jeśli macie w planach podróż do Wenecji, lubicie historię, albo po prostu chcecie się dowiedzieć więcej o tym mieście ta książka jest dla Was! Jest naprawdę warta lektury. Polecam!
June 29, 2023
If half stars were available, I’d give this a 3.5/5.
For the most part (i.e. the sections on Venetians and Venice itself), the research is presented really well and you’re thrown straight into drama due to the author beginning with Marco Polo himself and it was such a pleasant experience to read about its history without them being painted as faultless. In fact, they created many of their problems all by themselves by shooting themselves in the foot but all empires must die sooner or later.
Where the relay of research material fails to satisfy (for me personally) is when the author strays away from Venice to add context behind the reactions and mostly summarising major events such as the Thirty Year War in a single, brief paragraph before employing the use of poor segways into an apparently related topic which read more like straight up (abrupt) subject changes. Fine it might not be about the Thirty Years war, but at least expand from a single sentence why it had an effect on trade and the enlightenment without expecting the reader to just know or research it themselves.
Surprising link with the Tudor English monarchy later down the line too.
For the most part (i.e. the sections on Venetians and Venice itself), the research is presented really well and you’re thrown straight into drama due to the author beginning with Marco Polo himself and it was such a pleasant experience to read about its history without them being painted as faultless. In fact, they created many of their problems all by themselves by shooting themselves in the foot but all empires must die sooner or later.
Where the relay of research material fails to satisfy (for me personally) is when the author strays away from Venice to add context behind the reactions and mostly summarising major events such as the Thirty Year War in a single, brief paragraph before employing the use of poor segways into an apparently related topic which read more like straight up (abrupt) subject changes. Fine it might not be about the Thirty Years war, but at least expand from a single sentence why it had an effect on trade and the enlightenment without expecting the reader to just know or research it themselves.
Surprising link with the Tudor English monarchy later down the line too.
July 10, 2023
as an unapologetic velvet covered settee sitter sat squarely if anachronisticly enamoured in front of some random ass tintoretto; as the chief mourner that this will be our four hundred and thirty-ninth christmas without giodarno bruno (rip 🕊️ gone too soon 💔); as the newly non for profit gofundme linkinbio activist infographic radical bringing awareness to the injustices perpetrated by the venetian oligarchical council of 10 against veronica franco the high ranking courtesan, safiye sultana briefly ruler of the ottoman empire, and the utter disgraces ravaged upon catherine cornaro the last queen of cyprus (#metoo #wholetthemgetawaywiththis); as a lover of at least 3 operatic oranges whilst wearing a plague doctor getup listening to vivaldi at the casino forever plotting with expansionist purpose for my merchant trading empire; as a tiepolo pink pussy haver; this boring ass history book just did it for me.
there are few things that rekindle in me a failing lust for life, and unfortunately an exceptionally long and boring history book is one of those few. it’s a horrible time to be alive when u have to admit u might be just like ur own father. the other month i heard my husband say to his friend “being with her is like having a walking encyclopaedia!”, and while this is flattering on all fronts, it is WORD FOR WORD what my mom used to say about my dad! nature and nurture can become ruinous to one’s self image. still love long boring history books tho.
there are few things that rekindle in me a failing lust for life, and unfortunately an exceptionally long and boring history book is one of those few. it’s a horrible time to be alive when u have to admit u might be just like ur own father. the other month i heard my husband say to his friend “being with her is like having a walking encyclopaedia!”, and while this is flattering on all fronts, it is WORD FOR WORD what my mom used to say about my dad! nature and nurture can become ruinous to one’s self image. still love long boring history books tho.
April 19, 2023
Three stars instead of four due to some disjointed chapters (eg Catherine of Cyprus, Jews). The juice is in Venetians vs Ottomans, unsurprisingly.
There’s something sad about Venice, essentially in a slow decline since the 15th century, then the final debacle with the French, and a living museum since. In the words of Marinetti:
Venetians! Venetians! Why do you continue to wish to be loyal slaves of the past? Seedy custodians of the greatest brothel in history? Nurses in the saddest hospital in the world, where mortally corrupted souls languish with the pestilence of sentimentalism? […]
And yet once, a long time ago, you were invincible warriors and artists of genius, audacious navigators, efficient industrialists, and tireless merchants… And now you have become hotel waiters, tour guides, pimps, antiquaries, forgers, fakers of old pictures, plagiarists, and copyists. […]
There’s something sad about Venice, essentially in a slow decline since the 15th century, then the final debacle with the French, and a living museum since. In the words of Marinetti:
Venetians! Venetians! Why do you continue to wish to be loyal slaves of the past? Seedy custodians of the greatest brothel in history? Nurses in the saddest hospital in the world, where mortally corrupted souls languish with the pestilence of sentimentalism? […]
And yet once, a long time ago, you were invincible warriors and artists of genius, audacious navigators, efficient industrialists, and tireless merchants… And now you have become hotel waiters, tour guides, pimps, antiquaries, forgers, fakers of old pictures, plagiarists, and copyists. […]
October 25, 2024
A credibly well researched book about a fascinating and beautiful city and culture.
If you have ever visited Venice, or want to visit Venice, I would highly recommend this book. The author goes through the rise and decline of Venice, and provides stories about some known, and some unknown, Venetian citizens. Especially helpful is the author’s ability to put events into the context of what was happening in the surrounding countries, the political and social forces, that influenced the events.
If you have ever visited Venice, or want to visit Venice, I would highly recommend this book. The author goes through the rise and decline of Venice, and provides stories about some known, and some unknown, Venetian citizens. Especially helpful is the author’s ability to put events into the context of what was happening in the surrounding countries, the political and social forces, that influenced the events.
June 10, 2017
A fine general history of one of Europe's longest "democratic" republics. The number of topics Strathern touches on was something of a pleasant surprise (from the history of Venetian rule in Cyprus, to the birth of modern opera, and even a chapter on 16th century Jewish religious controversies). An enjoyable read for those already familiar with la Serenissima as well as those looking for a well-rounded introduction!
December 2, 2018
Condensing Venetian history of a 1,000 years into a few hundred pages is accomplished by focusing on some of the city's largest most colorful characters. Lots of Venetian cliche (the Council of 10 is always lurking in the background) but, the book I feel is strengthened by its willingness to mention famous non-Venetians who were involved in the history of the city. Like all Venetian history's not enough emphasis is put on the 19th and 20th centuries.
August 24, 2021
A fascinating look at the history of Venice with particular reference to some colourful characters connected with the city. I particularly enjoyed the stories of artists such as Titian and Tiepolo and musicians such as Vivaldi. Casanova's exploits added an extra level of entertainment! There is also a background history of military and political events which are interesting in themselves and help to put individuals in their place in history.
July 26, 2022
Taken me a while to finish this but it was the kind of book easily readable in digestible chunks.
Detailed and dramatic, this book has filled in a great deal I didn’t know about the Republic of Venice. It’s one of those places you know of and might know of fairly well, but you don’t really KNOW it until you dig into it’s history.
Fascinating. And highly recommended.
Detailed and dramatic, this book has filled in a great deal I didn’t know about the Republic of Venice. It’s one of those places you know of and might know of fairly well, but you don’t really KNOW it until you dig into it’s history.
Fascinating. And highly recommended.
March 26, 2025
It was alright. If you have knowledge of the events and people which it primarily focuses on then this is probably much better. But if you are looking for a general history of Venice you should look elsewhere.
April 8, 2025
Oczekiwałam, że autor bardziej skupi się na samym mieście, jednak wiele stron poświęcił bitwom morskim i wydarzeniom rozgrywającym się poza Wenecją, stąd moje rozczarowanie. Chociaż poza tym książka jest ciekawa.
November 3, 2025
Lots of interesting information, but sometimes hard to follow and ends really abruptly.
There are a lot of areas where more context would be helpful, including the backgrounds of Genoa and Florence, as their conflicts come up a lot.
There are a lot of areas where more context would be helpful, including the backgrounds of Genoa and Florence, as their conflicts come up a lot.
June 16, 2017
Great approach to the history of Venice: focusing on the stories of historical figures both well and lesser known. For any lovers of Venice a must read.
February 15, 2019
Like it,a lot of information...
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