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Francesco's Mediterranean Voyage: A Cultural Journey Through the Mediterranean from Venice to Istanbul
A sumptuous tie-in to a major 12-part BBC2 series tracing the cultural history of the eastern Mediterranean, by bestselling author Francesco da Mosto
- GenresTravelNonfictionItaly
240 pages, Hardcover
First published July 10, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 5, 2009
This book gives tantalizing glimpses into a subject that I knew nothing about - the Venetian empire, which lasted for five hundred years, and as a glossy book of a TV series, the text is accompanied by absolutely wonderful photographs.
Apart from the photographs, the really striking thing about this book is the way that it gives a sense of a broad sweep of history and geography through selected highlights. In physical scope Venice's possessions spanned several countries and cultures, from part of the former Yugoslavia, to Greek islands, and the Venetians were a major power in Constantinople before that city became Istanbul. In time their empire went from the Middle Ages until the early modern period (Venice was finally defeated by Napoleon), and some of the places that it ruled have been inhabited since before written records.
Francesco himself is very much a part of this - a native of Venice who clearly loves the city, and belongs to a family that has been part of the aristocracy and civil service there since the medieval period (!). In many ports he finds not only traces of long Venetian occupation alongside modern life, but also connections to his own ancestors, who were merchants, navigators, ambassadors, and colonial governors throughout the existence of the Venetian empire.
Apart from the photographs, the really striking thing about this book is the way that it gives a sense of a broad sweep of history and geography through selected highlights. In physical scope Venice's possessions spanned several countries and cultures, from part of the former Yugoslavia, to Greek islands, and the Venetians were a major power in Constantinople before that city became Istanbul. In time their empire went from the Middle Ages until the early modern period (Venice was finally defeated by Napoleon), and some of the places that it ruled have been inhabited since before written records.
Francesco himself is very much a part of this - a native of Venice who clearly loves the city, and belongs to a family that has been part of the aristocracy and civil service there since the medieval period (!). In many ports he finds not only traces of long Venetian occupation alongside modern life, but also connections to his own ancestors, who were merchants, navigators, ambassadors, and colonial governors throughout the existence of the Venetian empire.
April 8, 2016
Nobody does it like Francesco Da Mosto when it comes to travel. He brings his own style and sophistication. The TV series was good and this backs up the journey with great photographs and informative narrative.
October 19, 2010
Very entertaining and educational with glorious illustrations
June 22, 2011
One of the best travel books I've read this year, and a book likely to appeal to readers interested in sea voyages in general and the history of Venice in particular.
July 24, 2011
I feel like voyaging....
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews