Venice Bcrth of City

A lagoon becomes, over the centuries, a great world power but, even after its decline, remains one of the most beloved of international cities. From oversize pages, Ventura (Grand Constructions, Great Painters) carves alluring panoramas of Venice that reveal the many industries for which it was renowned (shipbuilding, glass- and lace-making, sea-salt extraction and exotic imports from the world over), as well as the festivals, fables and architectural splendor of the Grand Canal. It is a fairyland city, and readers who are too young to know of Venice's existence will not question its enchantment. And the narrow streets and waterways are backdrops for the city's most influential forcesthe Venetians themselves. Pomp and former glory give way to the conviviality of the Carnival, smoothly guided by Ventura's able artistry. Ages 10-up. (April)