Book description
Taking the fire that destroyed the Fenice theatre in 1996 as his
starting point, John Berendt creates a unique and unforgettable portrait
of Venice and its extraordinary inhabitants. Beneath the exquisite
facade of the world's most beautiful historic city, scandal, corruption
and venality are rampant, and John Berendt is a master at seeking them
out. Ezra Pound and his mistress, Olga; poet Mario Stefani; the Rat Man
of Treviso; or Mario Moro - self-styled carabiniere, fireman, soldier or
airman, depending on the day of the week.
With his background in journalism, Berendt is perfectly poised to gain
access to private and unapproachable people, and persuade them to talk
frankly to him. The result is mischievous, witty, compelling - and
destined to be the non-fiction succes d'estime of the year. John
Berendt is a journalist and former editor of New York
magazine. His first book, MiIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL was
an international bestseller. He lives in New York.
