Salve Venetia, gleanings from Venetian history; vol. II

A vivid portrait of a city that once ruled the seas, this volume explores the inner workings of Venice’s aristocratic magistracies at the dawn of the sixteenth century. Listeners will discover how the Republic’s council system evolved, how new tribunals emerged from existing bodies, and why the government’s rigid structure endured for centuries. The narrative weaves together political intrigue with the everyday texture of Venetian life, offering a clear picture of the forces that shaped the city’s early modern identity.

Beyond the courts, the book turns to crime, diplomacy, and the bustling crafts that made Venice famous—from glass‑making to lace‑work—while interlacing anecdotes about notable women, artists, and scholars. Richly illustrated by Joseph Pennell, the text brings the canals, palazzos, and festivals to life, allowing listeners to picture the grand avenues and hidden alleys that defined the Republic’s golden age.