Books

“He saw it once more, that landing-place that takes the breath away, that amazing group of incredible structures the Republic set up to meet the awe-struck eye of  the approaching seafarer: the airy splendour of the palace and Bridge of Sighs, the columns of lion and saint on the shore, the glory of the projecting flank of the fairy temple, the vista of gateway and clock. T. Mann, “Death in Venice”. Makes an ideal gift.

Our journey into the Splendour of Italy starts with Venice which, rising from its foundations in the silt of the lagoon, fostered an incomparable civilisation. It continues on to Florence, the cradle of Humanism adopted by the Western world; and Rome, the city of two thousand years that has enlightened the world with its Empire and the Papacy; Naples, capital of the South; and Pompeii, where the flow of lava from Vesuvius in 79 A.D. brought life to a sudden end; and Sicily the island of fire, temples and indescribable scenery, rich with remnants of ancient civilisations.  Also included are the cities of Padua and Verona, Pisa and Siena, Ostia, Tivoli and Caserta, the Riace bronzes and a chapter on the Jews and Sinagogues in Italy.

300 colour illustrations. Available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Russian. A complete guide to discover the fascination of a millenary city where history, art and culture have merged to create a world class marvel. Splendid, high quality colour photos, maps and charts for understanding the wonders of Saint Mark’s Square, the world’s “most beautiful drawing room”. 

A double-page map of Venice – the Origins of Venice – St Mark’s Square – St Mark’s Basilica with  the Baptistery, the Golden Altarpiece and the Mosaics – the Doges’ Palace and the Armoury -  the Bridge of Sighs – St Mark’s Basin and the Grand Canal – the Accademia Galleries – the  Modern Art Museum and the Museum of 18th C. Venetian Art – Rialto Bridge – the Friars’ Church – Minor Venice – the Islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello.

A short though complete journey through the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello amid the scenery of the Venetian lagoon. 153 colour illustrations, 5 maps.
Translated in 5 languages: Italian, English, French, German and Spanish.

Giotto (1267-1337) transformed the art of painting from the Greek into the Latin tradition and gave it a modern reading. He probably carried out his works in the Scrovegni Chapel (or Arena Chapel since it stands within the area taken up by the Roman amphitheatre) in the years around 1305. The frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel are perhaps the most important cycle of works left to us by Giotto. 80 colour illustrations
(shown after the recent restauration) together with accompanying text, aid the visitor to fully perceive the meaning of each work.