Francesco's Venice, Francesco da Mosto
Francesco's Venice - Francesco da Mosto, BBC Books, 216 pages (September 30, 2004), ISBN:0563521376
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Francesco da Mosto is a descendant of an old and distinguished Venetian family. The history of Venice, Italy is an extraordinary story and Francesco gives a very personal account of it from the fifth century to modern times. The first settlers of Venice used the lagoon as a safe refuge in a dangerous world, although put themselves at permanent risk from flooding. Francesco da Mosto tells us how they created their homes on the tiny islands in Venice, and how, through long centuries of struggle, Venice emerged as a major maritime nation
Francesco's Venice became a city-state second to none at trade, exploration, diplomacy and protecting its independence. But Francesco da Mosto also tells us how it descended into poverty at the hands of Napoleon, and became the English Romantics' image of beauty in decay. This decay was enhanced by regular flooding, now made more dangerous through global warming.
Francesco tell us how Venice became a magnet for travellers seeking sublime beauty. He also brings us heart rending accounts of the flooding in Venice. Italy has suffered unfairly with natural disasters compared to other European countries, and Venice's floods have brought serious problems to the city.
Francesco da Mosto vividly brings to life the places, events and people with his beautiful English prose, which is only enhanced by the intonations of his native language. These accounts including personal, biographical sketches of his own colourful ancestors (one of whom was involved with Casanova, with a romantic but tragic outcome). He captures the carnival of Venice that existed in the Renaissance, and shows it still exists in the spirit of events like the film festival and sublime Operatic productions.
Being from an old Venetian family, Francesco da Mosto knows the people of Venice - not only from historical accounts but through actual day-to-day interaction. He gives you an insight into the gondoliers, artisans and ordinary people who are the life-blood of Venice. This is tinged by sadness as he finds tourism is affecting his city in a negative manner, but he is worldly enough to know that Venice needs tourism. The whole book is a moving plea for us to treat Venice with the discernment and light touch that Francesco da Mosto shows in his writing.
Francesco da Mosto's stunning prose is complemented by beautifully maps and images of the city by day and night. These include comprehensive photographs of the architectural monuments of Venice: St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, Church of the Nazarene, Laguna Palace, the bridges, the canals, ... the list is never-ending. You can even stay, or eat, in an architectural triumph as the hotels and restaurants are part of the undeviating beauty of Venice's architectural landscape; these include: the Hotel Splendid Suisse, Hotel San Guiliano and Hotel Hungaria.
- Francesco's Venice by Francesco da Mosto celebrates the mesmerizing beauty and strength of this unique city. It is a must for travellers seeking the sublime, in actuality or in their imaginations.