VENICE Pure City

Peter Ackroyd works his usual magic on this most majestic city. It's fascinating to learn that Venetians often feel they’re not part of Italy. Narrator Simon Vance remains understated as he describes the glorious city and its influence on the works of Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto. His sublime pronunciation of Italian words and names adds to the Venetian flair. It’s exciting to realize that St. Martin's and St. Peter's churches have always had a rivalry, that there are multiple words to describe the fog that often shrouds the city, and that glassblowers were banished to Murano with fire safety in mind. Like Venice itself, the book and narration are multifaceted and are perfect for both tourist and armchair traveler. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2011]