Murano Magic: Complete Guide to Venetian Glass, Its History and Artists (Schiffer Art Books) [Hardcover]

Carl I. Gable (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Art Books | Publication Date: April 2004

The islands of Murano, in the lagoon of Venice, have been a sheltered community of glass artists for at least 700 years, leading the world in blown techniques and design of beautiful and functional objects. This new study captures the artistry of Murano glass as well as the multi-generational world of discovery, innovation, alliances, and realliances that have fostered that artistry. With 250 stunning color photographs of Murano glass art and a detailed text that includes historical information and family trees, this book is original in its comprehensive presentation of the artists, both past and present. The seasoned collector will find this an invaluable sourcebook for untangling Murano relationships and tracking individual careers. The novice and curious visitor will find an easy, carefully-structured introduction to the bold beauty of Venetian glass.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764319469
• ISBN-13: 978-0764319464
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #665,572 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Made me see Venice with new eyes, June 10, 2004

By 

D. J. Miller "jomiller" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Murano Magic: Complete Guide to Venetian Glass, Its History and Artists (Schiffer Art Books) (Hardcover)

It is almost a crime that Amazon is listing this book with "No Photo Available," because it's a real eye-catcher of a volume, with stunning photographs on every page. But don't be fooled by its beauty; this is no mere coffee-table book. Rather, it's an encyclopedic guide, exhaustively researched and engagingly written. I have been fortunate enough to visit Venice several times, but Murano Magic made me see the city and its art with new eyes and a deeper appreciation. I would recommend the book to anyone, but especially to those who are planning a trip to Northern Italy.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glass collector? Want to be one? You MUST buy this book!, June 10, 2004

By 

Ashley "ashcalvin" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Murano Magic: Complete Guide to Venetian Glass, Its History and Artists (Schiffer Art Books) (Hardcover)

"Murano Magic" is a terrific volume to own if you love collecting Venetian glass as much as I do. Or if you want to learn the ropes. This exhaustively researched (and yet surprisingly easy to read!) book tells you everything about the big glassmaking families and their works. (I especially liked the historical perspective the author gave to discussing the different glassmaking houses.) And the photos are outstanding. Many glass books I've seen just don't have enough photos to show examples of all the different kinds of Venetian glass (there are literally thousands of styles). "Murano Magic" has wonderful photos and lots of them. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in Venetian glass.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Murano Magic, June 14, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Murano Magic: Complete Guide to Venetian Glass, Its History and Artists (Schiffer Art Books) (Hardcover)

Having recently returned from Venice, I wish I had this book before I left. Mr. Gable's meticulously researched volume offers so much valuable information, any glass collector or any tourist interested in a deeper perspective of the glass art of the city should read this book. The author's grasp of the nuances of the various styles is masterful and gave me a whole new appreciation of the experience I had in Venice.