Product Description

Francesco's Venice is the extraordinary story of the life of an intriguing city, told by a descendant of an old and distinguished Venetian family. Francesco da Mosto's ancestral history is inextricably intertwined with that of this amphibious city. Fiercely proud and protective of the rich cultural and architechtural heritage of his birthplace, Francesco gives us a unique insight into the inner workings of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. He explores Venice's remarkable history, from the fifth century when settlers retreated to the safety of the lagoon and began to create their homes on tiny islands, through its glorious years as a successful maritime nation, adept at trade, exploration, diplomacy and protecting its independence, to the fragile city of the twenty-first century. Venice's history is a tale of warfare and conspiracies, of artistic excellence and ingenuity, of the battle of wills and of ideas, and of strength in the face of disaster, and Francesco brings to life the places, events and people that have sculpted this living theatre through the ages. These include a colourful array of his own ancestors, such as the six da Mostos who were involved in the rise and fall of the ambitious and corrupt Doge Falier, and the young Alvise da Mosto, a courageous and deterrmined explorer of the fifteenth century. Beautifully illustrated with stunning images by John Parker of both the magnificent symbols of the city, including St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and the more secluded corners, Francesco's Venice celebrates the mesmerizing beauty and surprising strength of this unique city.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7838 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

The Daily Telegraph
"Francesco da Mosto is the BBC's latest engaging, enthusiastic TV historian...He has charm to burn and is an absorbing guide."

The Sunday Times
"sumptuous series"

About the Author
Francesco da Mosto, the presenter of the BBC2 series that this book accompanies, is an architecht, historian, film-maker and Venetian citizen. His busy studio in Venice has designed and supervised many restoration projects, as well as participating in local and international design competitions. Francesco has also worked extensively in cinema and television since 1984. Apart from short spells in Rome, Paris and sailing in the Mediterranean, he has lived in Venice all his life. In 2006 Francesco presented the hugely popular series Francesco's Italy, and wrote the accompanying bestselling book.

Customer Reviews

Pure Magic - Quattro Stelle!
Francesco da Mosto's book brings together the threads of history and culture so marvellously presented in his eponymous TV series with a flair for communication that is neither patronising nor overly highbrow - somehow he strikes a balance which is a refreshing change fom the third-hand anecdotes that litter the pages of many guide books. Just when you begin to feel just a little fatigued by the weight of all that history, he drops in a little titbit from his own family's extensively documented accounts and any fatigue is suddenly alleviated. More importantly, unlike many other so-called guides to the city, he asks the awkward but agonisingly relevant question - what will become of Venice? By addressing concerns for its future through the kaleidoscope of its past, Francesco da Mosto has achieved something very unusual - to have breathed a little life into a destination, and a history, that seemed pickled in Aspic until comparatively recently. I've lived and worked in the Veneto for more than a decade and I find myself increasingly asking the kind of questions that da Mosto demands of himself and his readership. Essential if you're going there to live and work, recommended if you're popping over for a holiday, and worthwhile even if you have just a passing interest in chunky coffee-table books about glorious Italian cities.

A pictorial gem almost as good as the dvd set of the series.
This is a really fabulous book to accompany his breathtaking series on his home city of Venice.Its your typical beautifully illustrated volume highlighting the gorgeous architecture and rennaisance splendour that is Venice.

If you missed the 2004 masterpiece that was his history of Venice then YOU MUST buy the BBC dvds to accompany his series, it is withought doubt the finest historical series i have seen in many years.This book is a beautifull reminder of that series both compliment each other beautifully.

It is rare for me to sing the praises of a book so highly,but this guide to Venice makes me want to sing a Puccini aria to the best of my capabilities.

Authentic encounter
To see Venice, which is all that tourists do, brings a wave of emotions. Da Mosto brings the reality of Venice into sharp focus. Its pleasures and its pain is there for us to experience - but we cannot do this alone. This is why the book is unique and precious; it opens one's eyes to witness Venice as it was and as it is. Go to Venice - then read the book - then go back to Venice and feel, smell, touch, hear and taste our history, his history! Only a true Venetian could work this kind of magic. The book's perspective is the point of this work - pssionate, truthful and as near as one can get to the soul of the place. There may be clichés - but who faced with such a task could give expression in mere words - Da Mosto puts his spirit into the work - and his spirit is 100% Venetian!