Tag Archives: Venice

Look for the Book Label

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Over the many years that I have been collecting and selling antiquarian and secondhand books, I have been intrigued by the small booksellers’ labels that were once a fixture in the book trade. These are typically diminutive, usually small rectangles … Continue reading →

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Misteriosi d’Italia

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon a marvelous new book of stories and illustrations exploring magical places, spooky folklore, mysterious legends, and unexplained phenomena in Italy. The Atlas of Mysterious Places of Italy was a joint project of illustrator Francesco Bongiorni and writer Massimo … Continue reading →

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Isn’t It Romantic

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Happy Valentine’s Day ! This beautiful edition of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s romantic poems Sonnets from the Portuguese was published in Venice in 1906. The lovely miniature book was handset and bound in vellum. H/t to the University of Iowa Special Collections Library.

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Support Venice

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn has created an enormous pair of hands emerging from the Grand Canal in Venice. The surreal installation, titled “Support”, was built to raise awareness about climate change and rising waters that threat Venice and cities worldwide. … Continue reading →

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See Venice And Die (or take a number)

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I feel very lucky to have visited Venice before the advent of cruise ships and budget airlines. During my earliest trips to La Serenissima, it was possible to enjoy the city without hoards of cruise ship passengers and daytrippers. In … Continue reading →

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travel expectations vs reality

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

   

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Venice: Mind Where You Step

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Back in early October, I posted a story about German freelance photographer Sebastian Erras’ project Parisian Floors which documented his peregrinations around the French capital. Now he’s at it again, but in Venice. Based on these beautiful images, it appears … Continue reading →

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Whimsical Landscapes

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Even in this golden age of digital travel photography, I still love old fashioned travel postcards. I’m not embarrassed in the least to admit that I still return home from most trips with a stack of kitschy cards. The very … Continue reading →

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A map is a territory…

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

As part of an exhibition called Contemporary Venice, Geneva-based artist/illustrator Istvan created a stunning series of city maps that blend uncannily with their environments . Printed on large panes of acrylic, the maps represent the indelible connection between urban areas and … Continue reading →

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Don’t Make This Mistake in Venice

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

The city council in Venice, Italy has introduced a law that can result in fines of €100 to €500 for dragging wheeled luggage or baggage across the city’s cobblestone streets or walkways. The law was enacted to address two issues: … Continue reading →

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