A 1985 historical study of a group of villages and one small town, that lie in the lagoons surrounding Venice.

This book is an introduction to the vernacular (or "minor") architecture of the villages of the Venetian lagoon, excluding the historic centre of the city itself. It is intended as a companion volume to Dr Goy's "Chioggia and the Villages of the Venetian Lagoon".

Since the seventeenth century, the café, or coffee house, in Europe has been the key gathering place of innovators and mavericks – the writers, artists, philosophers and political figures who formed influential affiliations and gave birth to revolutionary movements that still affect our lives today. It was the type of establishment ideally suited for this role. Unlike the tavern, pub or bar, where one’s senses grow ever duller from alcohol, one can sit for hours in a café with like-minded companions, consuming the coffee that sharpens wits and conversations. No wonder so many new ideas were generated in the legendary cafés of Paris and Vienna, Rome and Venice, Prague, Budapest and other major European cities. In her latest book, Monica Porter leads the reader on an entertaining waltz through six centuries, nine European countries (plus America) and a wealth of historic episodes featuring some of the most intriguing and noteworthy people who ever lived. As she reveals, playing its vital part in all their stories – at times in the background, at times front and centre – is that enticing venue: the café. The twelve venerable establishments of the book’s title – the oldest dating from 1686, the newest from 1911 – are all still in existence. And so, after learning about their fascinating historical associations, readers can experience these places for themselves, which makes the volume an ideal companion for history buffs, travellers and café-lovers alike.

The Rough Guide to Venice and the Veneto is the definitive handbook to Europe''s most beautiful city and its hinterland. The guide includes detailed accounts of all Venice''s monuments and museums, from San Marco to the far-flung islands. There is vivid background on the city''s history and culture, with the lowdown on the Biennale, Carnevale and other special events. For every area, there are comprehensive reviews of restaurants, bars and accommodation in every price range. Finally, there is detailed coverage of Verona, Padua, Vicenza, Treviso and a host of other Veneto towns and sights.

- Excerpts from and citations to reviews of more than 8,000 books each year, from 109 publications. - Electronic version with expanded coverage, and retrospective version available, see p. 5 and p. 31. - Pricing: Service Basis-Books.