Customer Reviews

Serenissima: Venice in Winter

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

The images are of one of the world's most romantic cities during her time of respite from tourists and constant sun make me want to travel to venice with only one requirement - that it rain the whole time. The authors are such bright, warm people, but they also posess heavy talent and the ability to pull striking images out of a city we are used to seeing under the veil of summmer sun and laughing cafes. I love it, I want a print on my walls and I'm giving it as xmas gifts.

Everything about "Serenissima: Venice in Winter" is special. It looks good - it feels good and the photos are a splendid variety of subjects, all impressive in different ways. Venice is undoubtedly a unique city that offers sites unlike any other place, but even the people in this book look special. With its many great photos and fascinating text reading the book is a joy. One learns history and current events while engrossed in a story that is as much fun as a good novel.

I'll mention two (no, three) photos out of dozens of memorable images. One is a photo of a couple with two children in a cafe. The mother is snuggling with the baby she holds and the look on the baby's face is pure pleasure. Another is a photo of two men in the evening. One is facing away and not clearly seen and
the other is a well-dressed, good-looking man in full view. Both are at the far left side of the space and the effect is enticing. The third photo is of the brightly lit archways of a firehouse. While I was looking at that picture, I had the sensation that if I took the book into a dark room, the photo would give off enough light to brighten the room. Amazing!

I bought four, one for myself and one for each of my children. Perhaps you can tell that I adore this book.

Frank Van Riper and Judith Goodman's photos are accompanied by text by Frank Van Riper in SERENISSIMA: VENICE IN WINTER, a fine blend of journalistic photography and solid text description capturing the magic of Venice. The book was six years in the making and shot entirely in black and white, pairing well with an essay describing Venice's culture and atmosphere. Both art libraries and those strong in travel and photography will find this a winner.

As Venetian, I love this book. The shelves of bookshop are full of books on Venice; few of them make clear how many things are almost invisible to the great mass of tourists who visit each year Venice, the spirit, the romanticism, and the mystery.
Many, too many books on Venice are a big collection of postcards published only for hurried tourist, this book is not; is a great black and white book that calls for reflection and meditation.
Highly Recommended!!
Mario Mazziol

This book was not created to impress anyone, but to simply to share a profound passion for the place - at which it splendidly succeeds. The perfect gift for anyone who has ever visited Venice or who is looking for an excuse to.