Synopses & Reviews
An extraordinary chronicle of Venice, its people, and its grandeur Thomas Maddenandrsquo;s majestic, sprawling history of Venice is the first full portrait of the city in English in almost thirty years. Using long-buried archival material and a wealth of newly translated documents, Madden weaves a spellbinding story of a place and its people, tracing an arc from the cityandrsquo;s humble origins as a lagoon refuge to its apex as a vast maritime empire and Renaissance epicenter to its rebirth as a modern tourist hub.
Madden explores all aspects of Veniceandrsquo;s breathtaking achievements: the construction of its unparalleled navy, its role as an economic powerhouse and birthplace of capitalism, its popularization of opera, the stunning architecture of its watery environs, and more. He sets these in the context of the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire, the endless waves of Crusades to the Holy Land, and the awesome power of Turkish sultans. And perhaps most critically, Madden corrects the stereotype of Shakespeareandrsquo;s money-lending Shylock that has distorted the Venetian character, uncovering instead a much more complex and fascinating story, peopled by men and women whose ingenuity and deep faith profoundly altered the course of civilization.
Review
"An entertaining comparison by an astute historian. . .Gems for history buffs as well as those who have never considered that something that happened before 1900 might matter."
-San Francisco Chronicle
"A breakout book."
-Richard Ellis, author of Founding Fathers
Review
andnbsp;andldquo;Madden proves the perfect guide to the magical city of Venice. His history is not only authoritative and encyclopedic, encompassing everything from the plundering of Attila the Hun to Katharine Hepburnandrsquo;s tribulations while filming Summertime, it is also unfailingly readable and amusingandmdash;a must-read for Europhiles, armchair travelers, and history buffs.andrdquo; andmdash;Ross King, author of Brunelleschiandrsquo;s Dome and Leonardo and the Last Supper
Review
andnbsp;andldquo;Thomas Maddenandrsquo;s portrait of Venice glows like one of the cityandrsquo;s own rich and colorful artworksandmdash;a tapestry woven from a thousand tales, with unforgettable characters, daring exploits, and inspiring triumphs against overwhelming odds.andrdquo; andmdash;John R. Hale, author of
Lords of the Sea Review
andnbsp;andldquo;Madden is that rare talentandmdash;a serious scholar who tells a gripping story. He breathes life into Venetian history in all its subtle complexity, rescuing the Venetians from the common stereotype of one-dimensional merchants. This book is a fantastic read.andrdquo; andmdash;Lars Brownworth, author of Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization
Review
?“This is a savory, tantalizing, but not-so-serene history of La Serenissima -- a tale of invasion, plunder, and ultimate elevation to one of the leading merchant cities in Europe. ...Madden makes use of thousands of Venetians' personal documents from the Middle Ages to present an authoritative history.” —Publishers Weekly
Review
“Plenty of books focus on Venice the romantic ruin. This one offers a welcome reminder of its historic role over a millennium in the development of a modern economic system and the maintenance of the global balance of power.” —Kirkus Reviews
Review
andnbsp;andldquo;Madden proves the perfect guide to the magical city of Venice. His history is not only authoritative and encyclopedic, encompassing everything from the plundering of Attila the Hun to Katharine Hepburnandrsquo;s tribulations while filming Summertime, it is also unfailingly readable and amusingandmdash;a must-read for Europhiles, armchair travelers, and history buffs.andrdquo; andmdash;Ross King, author of Brunelleschiandrsquo;s Dome and Leonardo and the Last Supper
Review
andnbsp;andldquo;Thomas Maddenandrsquo;s portrait of Venice glows like one of the cityandrsquo;s own rich and colorful artworksandmdash;a tapestry woven from a thousand tales, with unforgettable characters, daring exploits, and inspiring triumphs against overwhelming odds.andrdquo; andmdash;John R. Hale, author of
Lords of the Sea Review
andnbsp;andldquo;Madden is that rare talentandmdash;a serious scholar who tells a gripping story. He breathes life into Venetian history in all its subtle complexity, rescuing the Venetians from the common stereotype of one-dimensional merchants. This book is a fantastic read.andrdquo; andmdash;Lars Brownworth, author of Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization
Review
andnbsp;?andldquo;This is a savory, tantalizing, but not-so-serene history ofandnbsp;La Serenissimaandnbsp;-- a tale of invasion, plunder, and ultimate elevation to one of the leading merchant cities in Europe.andnbsp; ...Madden makes use of thousands of Venetians' personal documents from the Middle Ages to present an authoritative history.andrdquo; andmdash;Publishers Weekly
Review
andldquo;Plenty of books focus on Venice the romantic ruin.andnbsp; This one offers a welcome reminder of its historic role over a millennium in the development of a modern economic system and the maintenance of the global balance of power.andrdquo; andmdash;Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Breezy, cheerful, evenhanded, Madden debunks myths about Venetian decadence, and brushes aside ugly whispers about greedy, unscrupulous merchants. and#160;When a colorful character pops up (Marco Polo, Casanova), he makes the most of it in his brisk, no-nonsense prose." --
New York Times
"This is a savory, tantalizing, but not-so-serene history of La Serenissima -- a tale of invasion, plunder, and ultimate elevation to one of the leading merchant cities in Europe. and#160;...Madden makes use of thousands of Venetians' personal documents from the Middle Ages to present an authoritative history." -- Publishers Weekly and#160; "Madden paints a vivid portrait of 'a city without land, an empire without borders.' and#160;His engaging work enters a sparse historiography... and separates itself by offering a readable overview backed by solid research. Readers will come away from Madden's Venice with a newfound respect for one of the great jewels of Western civilization. -- Booklist (Starred Review) and#160; "Plenty of books focus on Venice the romantic ruin. and#160;This one offers a welcome reminder of its historic role over a millennium in the development of a modern economic system and the maintenance of the global balance of power." -- Kirkus Reviews and#160; "Madden presents a popular history as engaging as it is solid. and#160;In graceful, sometimes elegant prose, he details the long life of one of Europe's most intriguing cities... and#160;It is as enjoyable as it is astute." -- Library Journal and#160; "As Thomas F. Madden relates in his excellent new book, the city was once far more than just a romantic tourist destination. ... Madden's book is a lively and lucid survey of Venice's colorful history." -- The Seattle Times
Review
"This is a savory, tantalizing, but not-so-serene history of La Serenissima -- a tale of invasion, plunder, and ultimate elevation to one of the leading merchant cities in Europe. and#160;...Madden makes use of thousands of Venetians' personal documents from the Middle Ages to present an authoritative history." -- Publishers Weekly and#160; "Madden paints a vivid portrait of 'a city without land, an empire without borders.' and#160;His engaging work enters a sparse historiography... and separates itself by offering a readable overview backed by solid research. Readers will come away from Madden's Venice with a newfound respect for one of the great jewels of Western civilization. -- Booklist (Starred Review) and#160; "Plenty of books focus on Venice the romantic ruin. and#160;This one offers a welcome reminder of its historic role over a millennium in the development of a modern economic system and the maintenance of the global balance of power." -- Kirkus Reviews and#160; "Madden presents a popular history as engaging as it is solid. and#160;In graceful, sometimes elegant prose, he details the long life of one of Europe's most intriguing cities... and#160;It is as enjoyable as it is astute." -- Library Journal and#160; "As Thomas F. Madden relates in his excellent new book, the city was once far more than just a romantic tourist destination. ... Madden's book is a lively and lucid survey of Venice's colorful history." -- The Seattle Times
Review
"Breezy, cheerful, evenhanded, Madden debunks myths about Venetian decadence, and brushes aside ugly whispers about greedy, unscrupulous merchants. When a colorful character pops up (Marco Polo, Casanova), he makes the most of it in his brisk, no-nonsense prose."
—New York Times
“Madden paints a vivid portrait of “a city without land, an empire without borders.” His engaging work enters a sparse historiography that includes Roger Crowleys City of Fortune (2012) and John Julius Norwichs enduring A History of Venice (1982) and separates itself by offering a readable overview backed by solid research. Readers will come away from Maddens Venice with newfound respect for one of the great jewels of Western civilization.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“Plenty of books focus on Venice the romantic ruin. This one offers a welcome reminder of its historic role over a millennium in the development of a modern economic system and the maintenance of the global balance of power.” —Kirkus
“A lively and lucid survey of Venice's colorful history.” —The Seattle Times
“A savory, tantalizing, but not-so-serene history of La Serenessima” —Publishers Weekly
“Madden proves the perfect guide to the magical city of Venice. His history is not only authoritative and encyclopedic, encompassing everything from the plundering of Attila the Hun to Katharine Hepburns tribulations while filming Summertime, it is also unfailingly readable and amusing—a must-read for Europhiles, armchair travelers, and history buffs.”
—Ross King, author of Brunelleschis Dome and Leonardo and The Last Supper
“Thomas Maddens portrait of Venice glows like one of the citys own rich and colorful artworks—a tapestry woven from a thousand tales, with unforgettable characters, daring exploits, and inspiring triumphs against overwhelming odds. Its all here: free enterprise and free thought, voyages and empire-building between East and West, and some of the worlds most magnificent achievements in architecture, painting, and music. All the threads of Venetian history are traced with a scholars zeal for accuracy. But Madden is also a born storyteller, with a keen eye for the illuminating detail that can bring a scene to life, from Roman refugees fleeing Attila the Hun to modern tourists invading the Rialto. For those who think they know Venice, Maddens book will be a revelation. For newcomers, this comprehensive overview is essential reading.”
—John R. Hale, author of Lords of the Sea
“Madden is that rare talent—a serious scholar who tells a gripping story. He breathes life into Venetian history in all its subtle complexity, rescuing the Venetians from the common stereotype of one-dimensional merchants. This book is a fantastic read.”
—Lars Brownworth, author of Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization
Synopsis
A unique and enlightening look at Europe's so-called Dark Ages Defying the conventional Dark Ages view of European history between A.D. 400 and 1000, award-winning historian Chris Wickham presents The Inheritance of Rome, a work of remarkable scope and rigorous yet accessible scholarship. Drawing on a wealth of new material and featuring a thoughtful synthesis of historical and archaeological approaches, Wickham agues that these centuries were critical in the formulation of European identity. From Ireland to Constantinople, the Baltic to the Mediterranean, the narrative constructs a vivid portrait of the vast and varied world of Goths, Franks, Vandals, Arabs, Saxons, and Vikings. Groundbreaking and full of fascinating revelations, The Inheritance of Rome offers a fresh understanding of the crucible in which Europe would ultimately be created.
Synopsis
An ambitious and enlightening look at why the so-called Dark Ages were anything but thatPrizewinning historian Chris Wickham defies the conventional view of the Dark Ages in European history with a work of remarkable scope and rigorous yet accessible scholarship. Drawing on a wealth of new material and featuring a thoughtful synthesis of historical and archaeological approaches, Wickham argues that these centuries were critical in the formulation of European identity. Far from being a middle period between more significant epochs, this age has much to tell us in its own right about the progress of culture and the development of political thought.
Sweeping in its breadth, Wickham's incisive history focuses on a world still profoundly shaped by Rome, which encompassed the remarkable Byzantine, Carolingian, and Ottonian empires, and peoples ranging from Goths, Franks, and Vandals to Arabs, Anglo- Saxons, and Vikings. Digging deep into each culture, Wickham constructs a vivid portrait of a vast and varied world stretching from Ireland to Constantinople, the Baltic to the Mediterranean. The Inheritance of Rome brilliantly presents a fresh understanding of the crucible in which Europe would ultimately be created.
Synopsis
In 1648, Europe was essentially a medieval society. By 1815, it was the powerhouse of the modern world. In exuberant prose, Tim Blanning investigates ?the very hinge of European history? (
The New York Times) between the end of the Thirty Y ears? War and the Battle of Waterloo that witnessed five of the modern world?s great revolutions: scientific, industrial, American, French, and romantic. Blanning renders this vast subject digestible and absorbing by making fresh connections between the most mundane details of life and the major cultural, political, and technological transformations that birthed the modern age.
Synopsis
An acclaimed historian offers an optimistic view of the future of the United States in the light of Roman history Maybe the end of the American ascendancy is not upon us. Maybe the U.S. will continue to dominate the world for centuries. Now award-winning historian Thomas Madden delivers an optimistic view of our nation's future.
Madden shows that the power of the ancient Roman republic and the U.S. was built on trust between allies, not the conquest of enemies. The far-reaching implications of this fact are essential reading for anyone who cares about the challenges we face now and in the years ahead.
Packed with stories from Roman history that offer amazingly obvious and explicitly stated parallels to our recent history, Empires of Trust is a narrative pleasure and a hopeful inspiration.
Synopsis
An acclaimed historian offers an optimistic view of the future of the United States in the light of Roman history Maybe the end of the American ascendancy is not upon us. Maybe the U.S. will continue to dominate the world for centuries. Now award-winning historian Thomas Madden delivers an optimistic view of our nation's future.
Madden shows that the power of the ancient Roman republic and the U.S. was built on trust between allies, not the conquest of enemies. The far-reaching implications of this fact are essential reading for anyone who cares about the challenges we face now and in the years ahead.
Packed with stories from Roman history that offer amazingly obvious and explicitly stated parallels to our recent history, Empires of Trust is a narrative pleasure and a hopeful inspiration.
Synopsis
A unique and enlightening look at Europe's so-called Dark Ages Defying the conventional Dark Ages view of European history between A.D. 400 and 1000, award-winning historian Chris Wickham presents The Inheritance of Rome, a work of remarkable scope and rigorous yet accessible scholarship. Drawing on a wealth of new material and featuring a thoughtful synthesis of historical and archaeological approaches, Wickham agues that these centuries were critical in the formulation of European identity. From Ireland to Constantinople, the Baltic to the Mediterranean, the narrative constructs a vivid portrait of the vast and varied world of Goths, Franks, Vandals, Arabs, Saxons, and Vikings. Groundbreaking and full of fascinating revelations, The Inheritance of Rome offers a fresh understanding of the crucible in which Europe would ultimately be created.
Synopsis
A spellbinding new portrait of one of the worlds most beloved cities La Serenissima. Its breathtaking architecture, art, and opera ensure that Venice remains a perennially popular destination for tourists and armchair travelers alike. Yet most of the available books about this magical city are either facile travel guides or fusty academic tomes. In Venice, renowned historian Thomas F. Madden draws on new research to explore the citys many astonishing achievements and to set 1,500 years of Venetian history and the endless Venetian-led Crusades in the context of the ever-shifting Eurasian world. Filled with compelling insights and famous figures, Venice is a monumental work of popular history thats as opulent and entertaining as the great city itself.
About the Author
Thomas F. Madden is a professor of history and the director of the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Saint Louis University in Missouri. He is the author of
Empires of Trust: How Rome Built–and How America Is Building–a New World, and his work has been discussed in
The New York Times, The Washington Post, and
The Wall Street Journal. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri.
Table of Contents
The Pursuit of Glory
List of Illustrations
Maps
1. Europe in the era of Louis XIV
2. Europe in the eighteenth century
3. Europe in 1809
4. Europe in 1815
5. The Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy in the eighteenth century
Preface
Introduction
Part One: Life and Death
1. Communications
2. People
3. Trade and Manufacturing
4. Agriculture and the Rural World
Part Two: Power
5. Rulers and Their Elites
6. Reform and Revolution
Part Three: Religion and Culture
7. Religion and the Churches
8. Court and Country
9. Palaces and Gardens
10. The Culture of Feeling and the Culture of Reason
Part Four: War and Peace
11. From the Peace of Westphalia to the Peace of Nystad
12. From the Peace of Nystad to the French Revolutionary Wars
13. The Wars of the French Revolution and Napoleon
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Index