Table Of Contents
- "The City of Falling Angels" by John Berendt
- "Death in Venice" by Thomas Mann
- "Venice: Pure City" by Peter Ackroyd
- "In the Company of the Courtesan" by Sarah Dunant
- "The Venice Experiment" by Barry Frangipane
- "A History of Venice" by John Julius Norwich
- "Invisible Cities" by Italo Calvino
- "Venetian Life" by William Dean Howells
- "The Stones of Venice" by John Ruskin
Visiting Venice is like stepping into a living piece of art. The city is full of history, culture, and beauty. To make your trip even more meaningful, why not dive into some books that will help you understand Venice better? Here are 9 books I recommend that you should read to gain a deeper understanding of Venice.
"The City of Falling Angels" by John Berendt
- Why Read It? This non-fiction book is a captivating look at Venice after a catastrophic event—the fire at the La Fenice opera house in 1996. Berendt, who also wrote the bestselling Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, uses his journalistic skills to dive into the lives of the locals. You’ll meet artists, noble families, and ordinary Venetians trying to preserve their way of life. The book shows modern Venice with all its beauty, mysteries, and struggles. It’s like taking a walk through the real Venice that tourists often miss.
- Perfect for: Readers who love true stories, mysteries, and real-life drama.
"Death in Venice" by Thomas Mann
- Why Read It? This classic novella explores deep themes of beauty, obsession, and mortality, all set against the haunting backdrop of Venice. The story follows Gustav von Aschenbach, an aging writer who becomes infatuated with a beautiful young boy while vacationing in Venice. Mann captures the city’s eerie, dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting the mood of the protagonist’s inner turmoil. Venice itself becomes a character in the story—both seductive and dangerous.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy philosophical and thought-provoking literature.
"Venice: Pure City" by Peter Ackroyd
- Why Read It? Ackroyd is a master of blending history with storytelling. In Venice: Pure City, he takes readers on a journey through the city’s complex and fascinating history, from its mysterious beginnings in the marshes to its rise as a powerful republic. Ackroyd doesn’t just tell you about Venice; he brings it to life by exploring its architecture, culture, and people over the centuries. This book gives you a deep appreciation for how Venice became the city it is today, while still being accessible and engaging.
- Perfect for: History lovers and anyone who wants to deeply understand Venice’s origins and development.
"In the Company of the Courtesan" by Sarah Dunant
- Why Read It? If you want to be transported back to Venice during the Renaissance, this novel is the perfect choice. It tells the story of Fiammetta Bianchini, a courtesan, and her dwarf companion, Bucino, who flee Rome after it is sacked in 1527. They rebuild their lives in Venice, navigating the city’s vibrant, and at times dangerous, world. Dunant vividly brings to life the art, politics, and social fabric of Venice during one of its most culturally rich periods. Through their eyes, readers experience the beauty of Venetian art, the intrigue of its politics, and the opulence of its society.
- Perfect for: Fans of historical fiction and readers who enjoy stories of resilience and reinvention.
"The Venice Experiment" by Barry Frangipane
- Why Read It? This book offers a delightful, modern-day view of Venice. It tells the true story of an American couple who decides to move to Venice for a year. Through their experiences, you get a funny and insightful look at what it’s really like to live in Venice, far beyond the tourist attractions. The book is full of charming anecdotes about Italian life, adjusting to a slower pace, and the unique challenges of living in a city without cars.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for light-hearted, real-life travel adventures, and anyone curious about day-to-day life in Venice.
"A History of Venice" by John Julius Norwich
- Why Read It? This book is a monumental work on the history of Venice, offering a detailed account of the city from its founding to its decline as a great power. Norwich’s writing is engaging, and he covers everything from Venice’s role in the Crusades to its long rivalry with the Ottoman Empire, and its unique system of government. It’s a deep dive into how Venice shaped the world and was shaped by it. Despite the book’s depth, Norwich’s writing makes complex events easy to follow, making it a fascinating read for those interested in the grand sweep of history.
- Perfect for: Serious history buffs and anyone who wants to understand Venice’s political and economic importance through the centuries.
"Invisible Cities" by Italo Calvino
- Why Read It? This book is more of a poetic and imaginative take on cities, with Venice as a silent muse behind many of the fantastical cities described in the story. Invisible Cities is a conversation between the explorer Marco Polo and the emperor Kublai Khan, in which Polo describes cities he has visited, each one more imaginative and dreamlike than the last. Though not about Venice directly, the atmosphere and surreal descriptions capture the feel of Venice’s uniqueness. It invites readers to think about cities in abstract, magical ways.
- Perfect for: Fans of literature who love creativity, imagination, and philosophical reflections.
"Venetian Life" by William Dean Howells
- Why Read It? Written in the 19th century, this book provides an outsider’s perspective on life in Venice. Howells, an American, lived in Venice for several years while working as a consul. His observations give readers a glimpse of Venetian culture, customs, and the quirks of everyday life at a time when Venice was transitioning from its grand past to a quieter, more provincial existence. It’s a charming, thoughtful look at Venice from the point of view of someone trying to understand its soul.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in historical travelogues and the lifestyle of Venetians during the 1800s.
"The Stones of Venice" by John Ruskin
- Why Read It? Ruskin’s book is a masterpiece of art and architectural criticism. Written in the 19th century, it’s a detailed examination of Venice’s buildings, particularly its Gothic architecture, which Ruskin adored. The book had a significant influence on the preservation of Venice’s architectural heritage. Ruskin writes with passion and detail, describing not just the physical structures, but also what they represent culturally and spiritually. It’s a book that will help you appreciate the architecture of Venice on a deeper level when you visit.
- Perfect for: Art and architecture lovers who want to explore the beauty of Venice in more detail.
Why These Books Will Make Your Visit Special
Reading these books will help you connect with Venice on a more personal level.These books offer a diverse and insightful look into Venice’s history, culture, and charm. Whether you’re interested in its architecture, everyday life, or rich past, these reads will enrich your visit and help you experience the city with a fresh perspective.
