Taking the fire that destroyed the Fenice theatre in 1996 as his starting point, John Berendt creates a unique and unforgettable portrait of Venice and its extraordinary inhabitants. Beneath the exquisite facade of the world's most beautiful historic city, scandal, corruption and venality are rampant, and John Berendt is a master at seeking them out. Ezra Pound and his mistress, Olga; poet Mario Stefani; the Rat Man of Treviso; or Mario Moro -- self-styled carabiniere, fireman, soldier or airman, depending on the day of the week. With his background in journalism, Berendt is perfectly poised to gain access to private and unapproachable people, and persuade them to talk frankly to him. The result is mischievous, witty, compelling - and destined to be the non-fiction succes d'estime of the year.
- ISBN10 1594200580
- ISBN13 9781594200588
- Publish Date 1 October 2005 (first published 1 January 2005)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 5 March 2013
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc
- Imprint The Penguin Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 414
- Language English