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 0340897775
- ISBN13 9780340897775
- Publish Date 5 June 2006 (first published 1 January 2005)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 5 October 2012
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
- Imprint Sceptre
- Edition New edition
- Format Paperback (A-Format (178x111 mm))
- Pages 384
- Language English