Francesco's Venice

Product Description

Francesco's Venice is the extraordinary story of the life of an intriguing city, told by a descendant of an old & distinguished Venetian family.

Francesco da Mosto's ancestral history is inextricably intertwined with that of this amphibious city. Fiercely proud & protective of the rich cultural & architechtural heritage of his birthplace, Francesco gives us a unique insight into the inner workings of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. He explores Venice's remarkable history, from the fifth century when settlers retreated to the safety of the lagoon & began to create their homes on tiny islands, through its glorious years as a successful maritime nation, adept at trade, exploration, diplomacy & protecting its independence, to the fragile city of the twenty-first century.

Venice's history is a tale of warfare & conspiracies, of artistic excellence & ingenuity, of the battle of wills & of ideas, & of strength in the face of disaster, & Francesco brings to life the places, events & people that have sculpted this living theatre through the ages. These include a colourful array of his own ancestors, such as the six da Mostos who were involved in the rise & fall of the ambitious & corrupt Doge Falier, & the young Alvise da Mosto, a courageous & deterrmined explorer of the fifteenth century.

Beautifully illustrated with stunning images by John Parker of both the magnificent symbols of the city, including St Mark's Basilica & the Doge's Palace, & the more secluded corners, Francesco's Venice celebrates the mesmerizing beauty & surprising strength of this unique city.