<DIV>Steeped in a history of great loves, political intrigues, and fervent religiosity, Venice is one of the most romantic and magnetic cities of the world. This splendidly and profusely illustrated volume tells the story of Venice through its art?during its period of grandeur as an independent city- state from the eighth to the eighteenth centuries.<br><br>Alvise Zorzi reveals the growth of Venice from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolis whose cultural, political, and economic dominance extended over the entire Mediterranean world.<br><br>In selecting the more than 340 full-color illustrations, Zorzi has brought together a sumptuous collection of paintings and drawings, photographs and engravings. In addition, specially created diagrams explain the distinctive techniques and styles of Venetian architecture, shipbuilding, and glass-blowing. A series of maps show the expansion of the city and its empire over the course of a thousand years, while charts describe the growth of Venetian commerce and manufacturing. These meticulous reproductions of the city¹s art bear witness to its cultural greatness.<BR><BR></DIV>