- 80 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
Gondola
About This Book
The international bestselling author delivers "a delightful look at the gondola as cultural icon, marvel of construction and object of romance and mystery" (Judith Malafronte, Opera News ). Of all the trademarks of Veniceâand there are many, from the gilded Basilica of San Marco to the melancholy Bridge of Sighsânone is more ubiquitous than the gondola. In Gondola, the acclaimed "American with the Venetian heart, " tells the fascinating story of this famous boat, complete with gorgeous full-color illustrations (The Washington Post). First used in medieval Venice as a deftly maneuverable getaway boat, the gondola evolved over the centuries into a floating pleasure palace, bedecked in silk, that facilitated the romantic escapades of the Venetian elite. Sumptuary laws turned it blackâa gleaming, elegant hue for a boat manned by robust gondolieri in their iconic black-and-white-striped shirts and straw hats. Each boat is carefully fashioned in a maestro's workshopâthough Leon also recounts a tale of an American friend who attempted to make a gondola all on his own. Once its arched prow pushes off from the dock, the single Venetian at its oar just might break out in a barcarole, the popular songs sung by gondolieri. Please note this ebook edition does not include audio recordings.
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Table of contents
- Cover
- Title
- Copyright
- Contents
- Introduction
- The Gondola as a Paradox
- I Think I Could Do This
- Taking a Closer Look
- The Master Builder
- Can a Boat Be a Fashion Statement?
- Musica Popolare
- The Ships from Hell
- Barcarole
- Illustration Credits