A Literary Companion To Venice: Including Seven Walking Tours

by Ian Littlewood

Venice has through the centuries attracted an extraordinary range of writers, drawn to it for inspiration, for consolation, or for the sheer pleasure of is unique setting. That so much of the city remains unchanged gives their words a powerful hold over our imaginations today. In this extravagant theater, writes Littlewood, we are as likely to chance upon the site of the murder of a Renaissance prince as the seduction of an eighteenth-century nun; the execution of a dissolute friar as the musings of a Victorian poet. All have their place in these pages, including the writings of Byron, Goethe, James, Proust, Lawrence, and Pound, among others.

Arranged in the form of seven detailed walks through Venice, this Literary Companion provides an illuminating guide to the streets, palaces, churches, and canals that make up this exquisite city. Venice's hidden corners-rife with feuds, rivalries, and romance-have never been brought so vividly to life.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Italy, Cities

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Al Maki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reading up on Venice which I will be visiting in a while. Of the books I've read so far I've enjoyed this one the most and it has given me a deeper appreciation of the city than any other. It's delightfully written and conveys an impression of the city as a labyrinth in both space and time.

[Chloe Thurlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venice is one of the most beautiful and most visited places in the world – a twin-edged sword author Ian Littlewood takes into account as he leads his readers through the labyrinthine side streets and backwaters of the city painted so vividly in the writings of Thomas Mann, Bryon, DH Lawrence, Henry James and, before them, Byron and Casanova.

With lyrical prose and vivid descriptions, Littlewood takes us on a literary journey with judiciously chosen excerpts from the great writers of the past and some rather good writing of his own. There are many guide books to Venice, enough, I imagine, to fill an entire library, but if your plans take you to the City of Bridges and Masks, Littlewood’s “Venice” is the perfect companion.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice little book to read in the weeks leading up to one's trip to Venice, as I am. I particularly enjoy reading about the experiences of different writers in relation to Venice and how each person has been transformed in some way. Also, the little historical tidbits are quite fascinating, and I will be bringing this book with me to enrich my experience. I recommend this book to future tourists and even to those who just want to experience Venice's allure through the years.