In a city as ancient as Venice, myths and legends passed down from generation to generation are the storehouse of a city s mores, emblems of its identity. In "Venetian Curiosities," acclaimed novelist Donna Leon recounts some of Venice s most intriguing tales: an elephant brought in for Carnival wreaks havoc upon the city before seeking refuge in a church; the city employs prostitutes in an attempt to prevent homosexuality; innocent men are mistakenly...