Venice: A Travel Guide to Murano Glass, Carnival Masks, Gondolas, Lace, Paper & More

by Laura Morelli

Every traveler to Venice wants to go home with a special souvenir: a carnival mask, a piece of Murano glass, a handcrafted piece of lace. But selecting which mask or which goblet to buy can be an intimidating experience. How do you know if you're buying something authentic, something made in Venice, something made in a traditional way? How do you gauge how much you should pay, and how do you know if you re being ripped off? How do you determine if you have fallen prey to one of the city's many tourist traps?

Laura Morelli, an art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you to the best of the city's most traditional arts: Murano glass, carnival masks, gondolas, lace, paper, and more. This indispensable guide includes practical tips for locating the most authentic goods in one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. Packed with useful information on pricing, quality, and value, and with a comprehensive resource guide, Laura Morelli s Authentic Arts: Venice is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to bring home the unique traditions of La Serenissima.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

104 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

The first time I visited Venice as a wide-eyed teenager, I knew I was supposed to buy Murano glass, but I had no idea why.

All I knew was that I was whisked to the famous “glass island” on an overcrowded, stinky boat. I waited behind two dozen American and Japanese tourists to pay an exorbitant price for a little glass fish—what a bewildering experience!

Still, it was the artistic traditions of the world that inspired me to study the past. Living in Europe and Latin America, I realized that in many places, centuries-old craft traditions are still living traditions.

So began my quest to discover craftspeople passing on a special kind of knowledge to the next generation.

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Laura Morelli holds a a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. Her books include Made in Italy, Made in France, and Made in the Southwest, which lead travelers to some of the world’s most authentic experiences. She has written for many national publications including USA Today and the New York Daily News, and has authored a column for National Geographic Traveler online called “The Genuine Article.” She has taught at Trinity College in Rome, Tufts University, Northeastern University, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and has spoken to public audiences across the U.S. and Europe.

Reviews

[Book Preview Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Description:
“Every traveler to Venice wants to go home with a special souvenir---a carnival mask, a work of Murano glass, a handcrafted piece of lace. But selecting which mask or which goblet to buy can be an intimidating experience. How do you know if you're buying something authentic, something made in Venice, something made in a traditional way? How do you gauge how much you should pay, and how do you know if you’re being ripped off? How do you determine if you've fallen prey to one of the city's many tourist traps? ”



An essential guide for anyone planning a trip. Part history/cultural lesson and part guide book, it’s small enough to take with you when on the go.

Morelli is an art historian and writer. Her works on authentic travel have appeared in national magazines and newspapers. She has also taught art history at several colleges and universities both in the States and in Rome. She obviously knows her stuff.

This invaluable guide is the first of what will be eight or more guidebooks in her new Authentic Arts Series. Her focus with Venice is to guide travelers clear of the typical tourist traps. Explore the authenticity of Venice with its handmade and local authentic items. Experience cultural immersion thru a deeper appreciation and understanding of its cultural arts.

Morelli instructs and warns the reader on recognizing quality and value in making smart choices with her five question rule. Is it traditional and locally made? Who made it? Who’s selling it? How much should I pay? How will I get it home? She does all this all while still allowing the reader to experience the opulence of Venetian style. She explains the living traditions of Venice thru its culture, generations old stories, its people and artisans.

Chapters are divided into: How to shop in Venice, Murano Glass, Gondolas, Lace, Masks, Paper & Books, and Resources.

Excellent tips for finding your way with regards to the confusing and unique address system in Venice. Suggests where specifically to purchase such items as masks, Murano glass, Burano lace, etc. Explains where not to purchase items and what to avoid. The added photos and Resources section in the back of the book is most valuable.

Looking forward to traveling thru Italy with the Authentic Arts Series!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you're not planning a trip to Venice, this travel guide is fun to peruse and includes a number of lovely photos of Murano glass, Venetian masks, and even gondolas (with info on where/how to see them being made). I thoroughly enjoyed perusing it, and it was even a free kindle download back in April when I was fortunate enough to come across it.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful combination of the history of craftsmanship in Venice and how to be a smart modern tourist in Venice.

Morelli talks a little about the general history of Venice, focusing on the history of the crafts Venice is known for, including glass, lace, masks, gondolas and books.

The history is fascinating and Morelli gives you a great sense both of the hard work involved and the resulting beauty of the goods Venice is specifically known for.

She also helpfully provides questions to keep in mind when touring Venice to help the average tourist take stock of what is for sale so as to – hopefully – go home with a true Venetian memento and not just something cheap made in a factory in a different country.

[Dr. Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laura Morelli has written another book full of great ideas for anyone planning an adventure to Venice and interested in possibly purchasing a souvenir. For the most part, I found her advice helpful. Ideas like venturing out to where crafts are made to purchase rather than in high-traffic tourist areas provide good advice no matter where you plan to travel. She spends quite a bit of time describing gondolas. As an art form, I can understand, but would typical tourists purchase gondolas? Doubtful!

[Faith Felice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic Venetian items

Thank you for real advice on finding authentic wares. Our first trip was 5 years ago and we had no clue if what the "crap carts," as my husband calls them, carried imported junk or not. Now armed with the know how, we will come home with an authentic mask and lace this time.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I am not planning a trip to Venice, I was still interested in reading about the authentic arts found in Venice. I had visited once before with my mother and sister and was curious to see if what I bought was possibly authentic. I would definitely reread this if I get a chance to visit Venice again.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chapters are well written. The photographs are beautiful. I borrowed this from my public library for inspiration. I have a couple of masks (bought in a craft store) that I want to paint for Carnevale/Mardi Gras decorations. It wad very helpful.

[Margie Miklas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Morelli's Venice Travel Guide is the perfect companion for the Venice visitor. Most everyone who travels to Italy includes some shopping, and this organized and concise guide covers the most traditional Venetian arts.

The author's background in art history and personal experience of living in Venice provide the expertise the reader needs to become a discerning shopper in Venice. I found Ms Morelli's use of Venetian history woven throughout this book intriguing, as well as extremely helpful in making good shopping decisions.

I highly recommend this guide to anyone traveling to Venice, whether you are a first-time visitor or returning Italophile. The resources section at the end of the guide is invaluable, and the paperback is just the right size to carry with you to Venice.

Not only is this guide full of practical advice but also educational and entertaining. Five stars.

[Kristel · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a Shopping Guide than anything else. I learned very little about the actual crafts.