Venice: The Greatness And The Fall

by John Julius Norwich

Genres: History, Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1981

About the author

John Julius Norwich was an English historian, writer, and broadcaster known for his engaging books on European history and culture. The son of diplomat and politician Duff Cooper and socialite Lady Diana Manners, he received an elite education at Eton, Strasbourg, and Oxford, and served in the Foreign Service before dedicating himself to writing full-time.
He authored acclaimed works on Norman Sicily, Venice, Byzantium, the Mediterranean, and the Papacy, as well as popular anthologies like Christmas Crackers. He was also a familiar voice and face in British media, presenting numerous television documentaries and radio programs. A champion of cultural heritage, he supported causes such as the Venice in Peril Fund and the World Monuments Fund.
Norwich’s wide-ranging output, wit, and accessible style made him a beloved figure in historical writing.

Reviews

[Boudewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nestled in the heart of the Adriatic Sea, the Republic of Venice emerged as a maritime powerhouse during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Its strategic location facilitated trade routes between Europe and the East, allowing Venice to amass great wealth and influence. With its canals, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage Venice was (and still is) offers an interesting and unique position in the European history.

I guess this is why Norwich decided to write a 'biography' of this city. This is the second volume of his history, but can be easily read if you didn't read the first one. Do not expect an episodic or analysis if Venice's political and diplomatic rise and fall, but instead - just as his series on Constantinople - Norwich offers a chronological approach recording day-to-day events which took place in the selected time period. A procession of Doges, some more successful than others, some merely to be mentioned due to their short reign, and the main events. The precarious relations with the Pope, who was never too shy to enlarge the papal holdings, the French and the Spaniards, who struggled for dominance in the various Italian city states. And not to forget the Turks, who after the fall of Constantinople were a constant threat and even were able to intrude in the Adriatic Sea, Venice's backwater. Venice's adeptly maneuvered through the turbulent currents of European geopolitics.

In the 18th century, the last as it proved to be, success was no longer measured in the number of battles won or islands conquered, but that Venice somehow was able to preserve her neutrality while the rest of Europe was embroiled in wars. But in the end, Venice, old and tired and once renown for her shrewd diplomacy, fell to a bluff by Napoleon.

Norwich, with his engaging and accessible writing style has managed to capture my imagination. The chronological approach is sometimes daunting, as I didn't always know the full background or context, but this is made more than good by his entertaining, and immensely engaging writing.

[Miba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the bits set in the city - the intrigue, the complex institutions, etc. All chapters dealing with war were rather less interesting if still well written