Venice: La Serenissima

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Description

Spanning more than a millennium, this volume traces the enduring life of a city shaped by water, power, and imagination. Venice: La Serenissima presents an expansive portrait of one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, revealing Venice as a place where history, culture, architecture, and spirituality converge. Written by Venetian historian Alberto Toso Fei and introduced by renowned architect Peter Marino, the volume approaches the city through a deeply historical and anthropological lens, capturing the enduring spirit of Venice beyond its celebrated landmarks.

Structured through roughly sixty defining moments, the narrative unfolds chronologically, beginning with the legendary founding of Venice in 421 CE and continuing through more than a millennium of history. From the timber piles that support the city’s foundations and the powerful rule of the Doges, to Venice’s maritime dominance and artistic flourishing, the book traces the rise of the Venetian Republic and the cultural forces that shaped it. The journey extends into modern Venice, touching on figures such as Peggy Guggenheim and the continuing cultural vitality of the Venice Biennale, while also highlighting efforts to preserve the fragile city for future generations.

Iconic photography by Helmut Newton and Cecil Beaton appears alongside artworks drawn from rare books, archives, institutions, and private collections, creating a visual record as rich as the narrative itself.

The clamshell is crafted from rich metallic fabrics by the legendary Venetian textile house Fortuny, lined in rich burgundy silk, and constructed from wooden slats that echo the city’s historic foundations beneath the lagoon. The hardcover features a detail from Triumph of Mordechai (1556) by Paolo Veronese, bringing a masterpiece of Venetian art to the surface.

For those drawn to the romance, history, and layered beauty of Venice, Venice: La Serenissima is an exceptional gift for lovers of art, architecture, and cultural heritage alike. It is especially suited for travelers, collectors, and anyone who seeks to experience the city not just as a destination, but as a living world shaped by centuries of history and imagination.

About the author

Alberto Toso Fei is a Venetian writer, journalist, and historian widely regarded as one of the most authoritative contemporary voices on Venice’s history and legends. Descended from a family of Murano glassmakers documented in the city since the fourteenth century, Toso Fei has authored more than thirty books (translated into several languages) and regularly collaborates with cultural institutions and media outlets. He is also a consultant and documentary producer for television and a frequent speaker at public lectures and international events (including TEDx) dedicated to Venetian history and storytelling.

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This French concept embodies the art of knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. At Assouline, savoir-faire defines every creation: from the artistry of our covers to the meticulous detailing of our Ultimate Collection and the precision of every page. Each title is a journey of craftsmanship, from concept to creation, guided by our creative team and brought to life with the highest standards of design, photography, and production. Every book reflects the dedication, care, and expertise that turn an idea into a lasting work of art.

Care Instructions

Handle with Clean, Dry Hands: Always use clean, dry hands when handling your book to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the pages and cover.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading or discoloration of the cover and pages.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Humidity and moisture can damage both the paper and binding. Store books upright on a flat surface, away from heat sources.
Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to gently remove dust from the cover and page edges.
Use Caution When Opening: Do not force the spine flat, especially on new books, as this may damage the binding.
Keep Away from Liquids and Food: Avoid placing books near food or beverages to prevent spills and stains.

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Venice. To visit is to be strongly jostled between fantasy and very real architectural splendor.

— Peter Marino, American Architect

Page count

248 pages

Number of illustrations

179

Language

English

Released on

April 2026

Dimensions

W 41 x L 48 x D 10 cm

Cover materials

The hand-fabricated Italian clamshell is made from Fortuny metallic materials, lined in burgundy silk over wooden slats, and adorned with a copper title plaque and hand-painted plaster medallion of the Lion of Venice. The hardcover features a detail of Paolo Veronese's Triumph of Mordecai (1556), from the ceiling of Venice's Church of San Sebastiano.

ISBN

9781649806833

Weight

11.499 kg

Author

Alberto Toso Fei, Foreword by Peter Marino

Our commitment to sustainability

Assouline supports One Tree Planted in its commitment to a more sustainable world through reforestation. Since 2019, this partnership has contributed to global efforts to restore forests, with the long-term vision of creating a sustainable cycle by sourcing paper from the trees planted. Our dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond the books themselves—today, our titles are printed on paper selected with the environment in mind, supporting the shift toward more responsible materials. With the belief that beauty stands not just in how it looks, but in how it’s made.

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