Venice

Incorporating photos, timelines and illustrations, the paper-over-board Great Cities Through the Ages series adds two titles that explore key European sites. In Italy's Venice by Renzo Rossi, readers travel from the city's settlement in the fourth century through the reign of the doges (chief magistrates) to the present day, along the way learning about such traditions as ""Carnevale,"" held each winter since the 11th century. First a Roman settlement, later the capital of the British empire, London by Neil Morris examines the town on the Thames, with sections on ""Medieval London"" and ""London at War,"" as well as spreads on the monarchy, transportation, architecture and more.