Rating: 
Summary: Long and exhaustive
Review: A definitive one-volume (although a hefty one) history of Venice from the earliest Roman settlements up to the beginning of 19th century, when Napoleon bullied the once-glorious but now timid republic into submission. Norwich has done a very thorough research and then settled down to write everything worthwhile about his subject - not just wars and Mediterranean politics but also architechture, government and everyday Venetian life.Norwich has selected a simple chronological structure which is both the book's strength and one weakness. As Venice's history has it's ups and downs, so does the book. Every so often, usually when Venice in one way or the other fights for it's survival, the book takes life and reader is swept from page to another - until the next slump of 20 years or so when there simply isn't much happening. Although Norwich usually skips these periods with shortness they deserve, the reader's interest is bound to rise and fall with every few dozen pages. But then again, can you really blame history for not following the laws of dramatic structure. Norwich writes in the same fluid narrative style that made his three books of Byzantine history my all-time favourites. This time the subject matter just isn't quite so fascinating. As centuries pass, the doge's come and go, and only few of them have enough personality to make them memorable. Their enemies and allies - popes, sultans, dukes, kings etc. - often steal the limelight instead of the merchant state which stays pretty much the same. Nevertheless, this book has probably everything you might possibly want to know about Venetian history, including short notes about historical buildings, memorials and tombs that can still be found in modern Venice.
Rating: 
Summary: An intriguing and vivacious history
Review: A finely written history that captures the personalities involved. Venice's frequent dealings with other countries often make the book seem like a history of Europe through the eyes of Venice, a perspective that I found refreshing. I particularly enjoyed the way Norwich discusses many of his sources, which highlights his spirit of inquiry and makes the book a good stepping stone for further reading.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, Witty, and Comprehensive
Review: After a trip to Italy, I became enchanted with Venice, and wanted to learn more about it. This book fufilled every expectation I had. Norwich has the ability to breathe life into what could be simply a dull list of Doges. It's obvious that Norwich deeply loves Venice, and he crafts his history with care and affection, along with a generous leaven of humor. Anyone who has an interest in Venice should read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Well told; excellent writing; 1000 yrs. under the Doges
Review: An exciting story of the 1000 years of Venice's history under the Doge's. A clear and fascinating picture of life during these times; the crusades, the many conquering tribes, the Popes, Kubla Kahn, Marco Polo. Read this book a chapter at a time for the most enjoyment. Such beautiful writing! This is one you won't forget.
Rating:
Summary: A Republic of Genius
Review: As with every writer to visit the City of St. Mark, Norwich is totally and utterly seduced by Venice, and through the medium of his marvelous prose, the sensation is infectious. We learn about the formation of the lagoon city late in the first millenium, its link-up with (and later betrayal of) Byzantium, its many wars with Genoa and Turkey, its weird Renaissance diplomacy, its last centuries of sunlight and their brutal extinguishment by Napoleon. Not only a fine work of Venetian history; a comprehensive picture too of broader Mediterranean policics, especially that of Greece, Cyprus, Dalmatia and Crete.
Rating:
Summary: A Republic of Genius
Review: As with every writer to visit the City of St. Mark, Norwich is totally and utterly seduced by Venice, and through the medium of his marvelous prose, the sensation is infectious. We learn about the formation of the lagoon city late in the first millenium, its link-up with (and later betrayal of) Byzantium, its many wars with Genoa and Turkey, its weird Renaissance diplomacy, its last centuries of sunlight and their brutal extinguishment by Napoleon. Not only a fine work of Venetian history; a comprehensive picture too of broader Mediterranean policics, especially that of Greece, Cyprus, Dalmatia and Crete.
Rating:
Summary: La Serenissima!
Review: Fantastic history of one of the most fascinating places in the world. My wife and I are going to Venice for a two-week vacation in September, and I ordered the book to get an idea of what we'll be seeing there. This history was much better than I ever expected it could be. Unlike most histories, it was not dry nor boring, but brought the city and its background to light in a way that reads like a good novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Venetian and/or Italian history.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive
Review: For those who love this city and want to explore its history in depth, I highly recommend this book. The focus is mostly on political and military history and is lacking when it comes to the arts. However, that aside, this is the most comprehensive treatment I have found.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive
Review: For those who love this city and want to explore its history in depth, I highly recommend this book. The focus is mostly on political and military history and is lacking when it comes to the arts. However, that aside, this is the most comprehensive treatment I have found.
Rating:
Summary: Provoking 1,000 Year History of Vence
Review: I only decided to read the history of the Republic after reading the history of the Byzantine Empire. The Republic was a major elements in the Empire's economy and eventually demise. However, after reading this book, I come to respect Venice's history as a lonely light that shined in Europe through most of the "Middle Ages." One interesting fact was the the Republic lived almost 1,000 years and was finally destroyed (or, as Norwich said, "humiliated") by Napoleon. As for the author, Norwich is an excellent writer and brings life to the Republic's once glorious past.
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