A unique and captivating guide to the literary heritage of Venice.

Venice, La Serenissima, is one of the most breath-taking cities in the world. From its earliest beginnings in the 7th century, Venice has been a magnetic centre of trade and culture, wealth and power and has acted as a crossroads for an array of religious pilgrims and refugees, diplomats, crusading armies and merchants. The city is a floating labyrinth; the world's greatest museum, frozen in time; a cultural jewel, slowly sinking into the lagoon from which it rose; tourist-trap, irresistible muse.

Later, Venice's fabled beauty and reputation as a haven for freedom of expression seduced some of the most celebrated figures in history: artists such as Durer, Bellini and Turner; writers Dickens, Byron, Kafka, Poe, Rousseau, Thomas Mann, Ruskin and Ezra Pound and composers Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Stravinsky.

In this guide to literary Venice, the author uncovers the city's myriad of secrets, revealing how every floating palace, gilded church and bustling square is imbued with the lives and creations of those who were inspired by the city, which still echoes with their voices.

Born in Northern France, Marie-José Gransard studied English at the Sorbonne in Paris and her career has been in language and culture. She teaches a course, 'Venice in Literature', in Cannaregio and conducts tours of Venice. She has worked with Hilary Spurling on her biography of Matisse and with Anthony Holden for his biography of Lorenzo da Ponte. She divides her time between Venice and London where she is presently researching the literary legacy of visitors to the city.