[Illustration: THE GRAND CANAL FROM THE STEPS OF S. MARIA DELLA SALUTE]




"In like manner I say, that had there bin an offer made unto me
before I took my journey to Venice, eyther that foure of the richest
manors of Somerset-shire (wherein I was borne) should be gratis
bestowed upon me if I never saw Venice, or neither of them if I
should see it; although certainly these manors would do me much more
good in respect of a state of livelyhood to live in the world than
the sight of Venice, yet notwithstanding I will ever say while I
live, that the sight of Venice and her resplendent beauty,
antiquities, and monuments, hath by many degrees more contented
my minde, and satisfied my desires, than those foure Lordships
could possibly have done."--THOMAS CORYAT.


[Illustration: A Bird's Eye View Of Venice]




PREFACE


For a detailed guide to Venice the reader must go elsewhere; all that I