No Vulgar Hotel: The Desire and Pursuit of Venice

by Judith Martin, Eric Denker (Editor)

Overview

"Add No Vulgar Hotel to the list of books you must read before you come to Venice." —Donna Leon

This is the definitive book for managing an incurable passion for a decaying, waterlogged village. Whether you already have a raging case of Venetophilia or are among the fifteen million people who yearly put themselves in danger of contracting it, here is where you get your fix of Venetian wit, history, practicality, and enchantment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393330601
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	03/17/2008
Pages:	332
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Judith Martin, born a perfect lady in an imperfect society, is the author of the “Miss Manners” columns and best-selling books, two novels, and a travel book on Venice. She and her husband live in Washington, DC.

Eric Denker is a Senior Lecturer in the Education Department of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations     9
Acknowledgments     11
You're A Tourist and I'm Not     15
Getting Your Feet Wet     55
Great Moments in Venetian History     94
Venice with Your Imaginary Friend     130
Adopt Your Landlord     169
Venice Depicted     205
Going Overboard     244
Bridging the Sighs     277
Credits     315
Index     319

Editorial Reviews

"Do yourself a courtesy and read this revelation about the Jewel of the Adriatic."— P. J. O’Rourke

"Perfect for a swift, semi-intellectual overview of Venice that goes several steps deeper than the average tourist guide."— Publishers Weekly

"Interesting, frequently enlightening, and always amusing."— Library Journal

"Reading her book, with its captivating mini-histories of Venetian literary salons, families of note and artists in residence, is like attending a gossipy Continental dinner party in which Martin not only plays the hostess but moonlights as various guests…Not only does Martin know what she likes, she knows how to serve it."— Pamela Paul New York Times Book Review

"In the spirit of Henry James…Fans of Miss Manners’ high comic style will find much to amuse them in this idiosyncratic slice of prosciutto on wry."— Amanda Heller Boston Sunday Globe

From the Publisher

Reading her book, with its captivating mini-histories of Venetian literary salons, families of note and artists in residence, is like attending a gossipy Continental dinner party, in which Martin not only plays the hostess but moonlights as various guests (the garrulous raconteur, the imperious know-it-all, the great-aunt who doesn’t realize her listener hasn’t a clue whom she’s talking about). Though her artfully coiffed prose can run a bit precious and long, for the most part she enlightens and entertains. The best books on Venice, as Martin says, “deftly mix the past with the personal present in a spirit of light scholarship.” Not only does Martin know what she likes, she knows how to serve it.
— The New York Times

Pamela Paul