A floating, fairytale city, Venice's exquisite beauty has enchanted travelers for centuries. A world capital for romance, the "Queen of the Adriatic" is renowned for its ornate Gothic architecture and charming waterways. Celebrated author Philippe Sollers is the perfect guide to the city's rich cultural heritage: from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice to the iconic gondolas that populate the Grand Canal, from the magnificent baroque dome of the Salute to the innovative international film festival, the Mostra. A source of inspiration for all creative arts, Venice has beguiled painters from Tintoretto to Monet, authors from Ezra Pound to Ernest Hemingway, and musicians from Vivaldi to Stravinsky. Lord Byron wrote Don Juan here and Casanova cemented his licentious reputation in the shadow of St. Mark's Basilica. All are featured, along with literary quotes paying homage to the Serenissima, quality images, vivid anecdotes, and historical facts. This handsome volume is the ultimate invitation to explore the hidden splendors of this idyllic city.

Author Biography

Philippe Sollers is a prominent French writer and critic. In 1960, he founded the avant-garde journal Tel Quel. His publications include more than fifty books of fiction and non-fiction, and many essays and interviews. He has received numerous literary prizes, including the Academie francaise's prestigious Grand Prix in 1992. His books include Mysterious Mozart, Writing and Seeing Architecture, Women, Watteau in Venice, A Strange Solitude, Event, The Park, and biographies on Dante, Picasso, and Casanova.