Venice: the city and the architecture

The first truly comprehensive history of Venetian architecture, Venice: The City and its Architecture abandons the traditional chronological approach of earlier histories in favor of one that is able to encompass the diverse and manifold influences that have affected the city's development. The buildings are placed within Venice's unique urban context, taking account of its characteristic topography, changing light, reflective waters, peculiar government and prime geographical position at the crossroads of trade routes to the East. A wide range of buildings is covered, from fishermen's cottages to the palazzi on the Grand Canal and from the simplest of early Christian basilicas to Palladio's masterpieces and Longhena's Santa Maria della Salute. Colour photographs, original plans, contemporary drawings and paintings by the Venetian masters combine to reflect the visual wealth of this extraordinary city.