Venetian Curiosities

DIVIn a city as ancient as Venice, myths and legends passed down from generation to generation are the storehouse of a city’s mores, emblems of its identity. In IVenetian Curiosities/I, acclaimed novelist Donna Leon recounts some of Venice’s most intriguing tales: an elephant brought in for Carnival wreaks havoc upon the city before seeking refuge in a church; the city employs prostitutes in an attempt to prevent homosexuality; innocent men are mistakenly condemned to death; a gambler bets the family palazzo. In an introduction and seven essays, Leon offers enchanting details and astute insights into Venetian customs of the past and present.BRBRIVenetian Curiosities/I is beautifully illustrated, and like IHandel’s Bestiary/I, it comes with an accompanying CD. Here the music is by Antonio Vivaldi, with tracks for each section of the book, expertly recorded by Il Complesso Barocco. With the splendid music, the delightful images, and the perceptive, amusing words of Donna Leon, IVenetian Curiosities/I is a harmonious exploration of one of the world’s most beloved cities.BR/DIV