Ruskin's Venice: The Stones Revisited

Rating:
Summary: Tops for Ruskin redux
Review: I am a yearly visitor to Venice and an amateur of Venetian history. I have tried to read the original Ruskin several times and always got bogged down in it. This book does a lovely job highlighting Ruskin's voluminous work with wonderfully detailed photography. I was in Venice 2 weeks ago and having read this book greatly enhanced my appreciation of the architectural details of many buildings. Highly recommended for anyone desiring to take the time to study the exquisite fine points of this jewel of a city.

Rating:
Summary: The stone that the builders rejected...
Review: I read an original copy, circa 1890. It was a three volume set with beautiful, color stone lithographs and, of course, no editorial abridgement. I gave it away as a gift to a friend wanting to learn about architecture, as the best possible starting point.

I personally have very little patience for people who want to abridge Ruskin's work. And Ruskin's illustrations really make this work.

So, having said this, IF one is willing to overlook these editorial wiseacreings, this book is obviously a classic. It is a marvelous experience to be able to look at a building, any building, when driving or walking down a street, and know the history, name, and significance of each of its facets & adornments.

Unless you happen to live in an area with considerable architectural variety, you will find your newly-acquired skills only serve to confirm your opinion that we live in an age of totally bland and meaningless construction.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Rating:
Summary: Ruskin's Venice
Review: This is a deeply inspiring photographic account of Ruskin's commitment to Venice. It serves as a remarkable and revelatory companion to Ruskin's THE STONES OF VENICE and, to any one who cares about this city, it is an entirely necessary book. It is difficult to imagine how it might have been done better.

Rating:
Summary: Ruskin's Venice
Review: This is a deeply inspiring photographic account of Ruskin's commitment to Venice. It serves as a remarkable and revelatory companion to Ruskin's THE STONES OF VENICE and, to any one who cares about this city, it is an entirely necessary book. It is difficult to imagine how it might have been done better.