In this colorful new history of Venice, Elizabeth Horodowich, one of the leading experts on Venice, tells the story of the place from its ancient origins, & its early days as a multicultural trading city where Christians, Jews & Muslims lived together at the crossroads between East & West. She explores the often overlooked role of Venice, alongside Florence & Rome, as one of the principal Renaissance capitals. Now, as the resident population falls & the number of tourists grows, as brash new advertisements disfigure the ancient buildings, she looks at the threat from the rising water level & the future of one of the great wonders of the world.