Venice

Martin Garrett explores the extraordinary history, art and architecture of Venice and the islands of the lagoon. Looking at the legacy of the city's Jewish, Greek, Slav and Armenian minorities, he recalls the exploits of such legendary figures as Casanova and Byron. He also assesses the successful struggle to preserve the city in the face of flood and corruption, and its important modern role as host of the Biennale and film festival.MARTIN GARRETT is the author of literary companions to Italy and Greece, and has written or edited a number of works on Renaissance and nineteenth-century writers, including Sidney, Byron and the Brownings