In 1882, Henry James stated: ‘Venice has been painted and described many thousands of times, and of all the cities of the world it is the easiest to visit without going there’. Here is a humble list of my sources! Most are available commercially through online bookstores, e.g. Amazon. The older books out of copyright may be obtained through resources such as Project Gutenberg.
By Giulio Lorenzetti. The classic and exhaustive guide, while slightly dated, remains the standard. Running to almost 1,000 pages and thoughtfully indexed. The focus is on art and history and includes detailed walk-throughs of the many churches and their art treasures.
By John Freely. An excellent contemporary guidebook for the urban orienteer! A thoughtful summary of local history, from churches to architectural features, art, folklore and events that shaped the city. Detail of some of the lesser-known details like the wellheads in various Campos around the city.
By Paolo Giordani. This is an excellent street-by-street guide that fills in on some of the material in Lorenzetti’s (1961) guide. At well over 600 pages, it provides detailed coverage of the city and explains some of the more obscure elements of the folklore and of the architecture around the city.
By J. G. Links. Lyrical and insightful. This engaging work provokes interest and intrigue, combining serious historical background material in an accessible style.
By Antonio Manno, Massimo Venchierutti, and Piero Codato. The art companion to Lorenzetti, Freely, and Giordani. Meticulously researched and richly presented, the art of the city is woven into an accessible and interesting narrative about its history. Photos of the art highlights help bring the narrative to life.
By Pompeo Molmenti. Consisting of two multi-part volumes, this is a work for the enthusiast. Even a cursory view of this substantial work reveals its influence on subsequent works, such as the guides above and other more academic sources.
By Hugh Honour. Published long ago, this guidebook demonstrates that the attractions of this great city we enjoy today are not that different to those that the visitor enjoyed over 100 years ago.
By Thomas Jongalez & Paola Zoffoli. The authors have assembled a treasure trove of material here that is detailed and colorful. A worthwhile investment for the traveler.
By Deborah Howard. A thoroughly researched work on the architecture of the city from Byzantium times to more contemporary eras. Helps to understand the place of architects like Palladio, Sansovino, Longhena and many others. The book also provides commentary on the significant buildings of the city and their place in history.
By Anna Sardi. A treasure trove. The wide variety of insights and activities make this a ‘go to’ resource for the contemporary traveler.
By Christopher Hibbert. A very good account across a variety of important aspects of the city including historical, social and economic aspects. Very accessible and interesting. An excellent selection of illustrations and photographs that complement the text.
By Tudy Sammartini. An absolute treasure and an interesting perspective that is creative in its conception, and visually rich in its execution.
By HC Robbins Landon & John Julius Norwich. A useful reference work that helps with an understanding of the composers and musicians who lived and worked in the city, including both locals and outsiders. The book helps with an understanding of the culture significance of music as a part of the city’s fabric. Places the works of the likes of Palestrina, Monteverdi and Vivaldi in their cultural and social contexts.
By Peter Humfrey with contributions noted below. This handsome volume wraps around the catalogue for a recent exhibition of Carpaccio in Washington. A work of detailed scholarly examination, it is a major contribution for those who might like to learn more about this Venetian artist. Contributions to the volume by: Susannah Rurtherglewn, Sara Menato, Deborah Howard, Catherine Whister, Joanna Dunn, Linda Borean, and Andrea Bellieni.
By Michela Scibilia. The pick of restaurant guides for Venice but can be hard to get hold of. Even though it is dated now, most of the places reviewed still exist – perhaps a testimony to their quality after all these years!
By Floriano Boaga. This is an excellent account of Tintoretto’s works in churches in Venice. Written by a scholar with great attention to detail, with a bonus itinerary through the lesser-known parts of the city.
