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Venetian Curiosities

Venetian Curiosities

Author(s): Donna Leon

Location(s): Venice

Genre(s): Historical, Nonfiction

Era(s): Various

Location

Content

In a city as ancient as Venice, myths and legends passed down from generation to generation record more than just love or murder. They are the storehouse of a city’s mores, emblems of its identity. In Venetian Curiosities, 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.

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Book Reviews

Lead Review

An unusually shaped book, plus CD for atmosphere and vignettes of contemporary seventeenth- and eighteenth-century life, manners, and morals are intriguing – unusual! Lettie Hayden –

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