Venice
History of the Floating City

Recounting Venice's unique history from its foundation, this book analyses the city's social, cultural, religious and environmental history, and its politics and economy.

Joanne M. Ferraro (Author)

9781316606612, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 June 2016

310 pages, 61 b/w illus. 16 colour illus. 5 maps
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.7 cm, 0.45 kg

'The author's enthusiasm for and deep knowledge of Venice and its history shines through from the beginning to end, which is not surprising, considering her status as one of the preeminent historians of Venice, especially for the early modern period. Ferraro's treatment of the 'Floating City' will undoubtedly appear on the syllabi of history, geography, and other disciplines' courses for years to come; truth be told, I am certainly planning to include it on my reading list the next time I teach a course on Italian and/or Mediterranean history.' Brian N. Becker, H-Maritime

This book is a sweeping historical portrait of the floating city of Venice from its foundations to the present day. Joanne M. Ferraro considers Venice's unique construction within an amphibious environment and identifies the Asian, European and North African exchange networks that made it a vibrant and ethnically diverse Mediterranean cultural centre. Incorporating recent scholarly insights, the author discusses key themes related to the city's social, cultural, religious and environmental history, as well as its politics and economy. A refuge and a pilgrim stop; an international emporium and centre of manufacture; a mecca of spectacle, theatre, music, gambling and sexual experimentation; and an artistic and architectural marvel, Venice's allure springs eternal in every phase of the city's fascinating history.

Preface
Chronology of historical events
Chronology of architecture, art, literature, and music
1. Reconstructing the floating city
2. The riches of Asia, Europe, and North Africa
3. A pride of lions
4. Identities and modes of socialization
5. Material life
6. City of myth
7. The Serenissima's wayward subjects
8. The baroque stage
9. Epilogue: the tides of change
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB], European history [HBJD], History [HB], History of art / art & design styles [AC]