The Venetian Empire: A Sea Voyage

This relatively short book is beautifully written, conveying the feeling of being a subject of the Serenissima. It explains exactly how Venice created its Empire, what it was like to live in many of the various elements of the Empire, the history of the area and the feeling of sailing throughout the Empire. The gradual loss of the Empire to the Turks, bit by bit, forms a large part of the story of course, but the dominant theme of the book is the strength and pride that being a part of the Empire provided. The author does not shy away from making value judgments about such varied characters as Enrico Dandolo and the martyr of Cyprus, Marco Antonio Bragadino. We are leaving on a sea voyage of the Empire and it was therefore perfect for us, having already digested the wonderful history of Venice by John Julius Norwich, which, although providing extensive detail about Venice, doesn't provide as much information about the disparate parts of the Empire.

This is an excellent little book for anyone interested in travelling and the history of the Venetian Empire. Jan Morris mixes vivid descriptions of present-day places with lively accounts of the lives and ambitions of the Venetian emperialists and their various subjects. She writes with sparkling wit and a cracking pace. History in her hands is so far from dull. The Venetians spring to life in all their glorious and colourful verve and cunning. She ranges across the centuries with sensitivity, humour and insight. There is no better introduction to the subject.

This very vivid presentation of ancient live of venetians all through Levant gives you a picture of live, not just historical facts of those distant times. It also presents you a present day situation on this islands. It's very easy reading and book's only defectiveness is hers shortness.