The islands of Murano, in the lagoon of Venice, have been a sheltered community of glass artists for at least 700 years. With 250 stunning color photographs of Murano glass art and a detailed text that includes historical informaltion and family trees, this book is original in its comprehensive presentation of the artists, both past and present.

In this internationally bestselling debut, a heartbroken woman embarks on a grand exploration of life and love as a glassblower in the city of her ancestors, Venice, and learns that the past may not be as clear as blown glass.

Murano: A History of Glass discusses the origins of glass production, describing methods used by the Egyptians and the Romans. The earliest evidence of glass-making in Murano dates from the 7th to 8th century AD and this beautifully illustrated book trac

Mark Doty's moving poem, illustrated with details of sixteen pieces of dazzling Murano glass from the collection of the Getty Museum.

Murano owes its worldwide fame to blown glass. The works created by the skillful hands of the island's master glassblowers have been exported East and West for centuries now, providing some of the most exquisite decorations for royal palaces and princely homes, and arousing the wonder and delight of travellers, poets and writers throughout the ages. Attilia Dorigato, Director of the Murano Glass Museum, traces all the key stages in the development of this age-old craft. Running from the Middle Ages to the heart of the contemporary world, her study focuses particular attention on the master glass-makers of the late part of the twentieth century. This up-to-date survey draws on an extraordinary range of photographs, some of them being published for the first time, and constitutes a fundamental work for anyone who wishes to understand the history of glass. Special illustrated appendices are included to reveal the techniques and secrets of this fascinating craft; what tools the master glassblowers use;