Gondola Hardcover – December 9, 2014

I bought this book for more info on gondolas - their construction and their history. Because it has color illustrations, I wanted a hard copy instead of a digital version. It came from an out-of-state vendor much sooner than I expected.Will certainly purchase from this vendor again (Sooner Books on Amazon Marketplace) and would recommend to anyone. Great service and quality items.

Interesting

This short book by Donna Leon takes a unique view of Venice by a long time resident and lover of the city. Leon combines a short history and an explanation of the construction and use of this Venetian icon with relevant paintings and music. As a reader of all of her Commissario Brunetti mysteries and visitor to this her city, I felt that I "knew" Venice already. But this volume puts icing on the cake. As an over three decade resident of the city, her love and concern for Venice are evident in this volume as well. And the music… her love for it and her financial support over the years set the CD and words (in Venetian and English) to the "barcarole" in the center of this "Gondolian" experience. Her attack on the cruise ships which ply the Grand Canal is epic!

I am reading the Brunetti mysteries by Donna Leon. Since I never paid much attention to Venice before, I'm enjoying reading books about it's history. This one has lovely pictures and even included a CD of gondola songs. It's very informative and I'm pleased with it.

You have to understand what this book is before you buy it. It's a combination of the historical and present-day role of the gondola in Venician life,a somewhat arcane description of building one, a rant against tourist cruise ships (which I happen to agree with), and a reprise of some of the themes from the Brunetti novels (e.g. Italian governmental corruption).I liked the book, but not everyone will find it as fulfilling as a new Brunetti....

I was expecting a Donna Leon novel and so was disappointed to find that I had bought a non fiction book about gondolas and how to build them. However, it is interesting with good little photographs of Venice and I regret to say that have not finished it.

I was very disappointed in the book. After waiting almost a year I thought it would be one of her great mysteries and instead got an in depth study of a boat which I was not in the least interested. I guess I should have read a synopsis but I do not remember seeing one when the book was originally advertised. In the future, if a book by an author known for a certain type of book is NOT one that she is famous for, the reader should be made aware! I feel that I was hoodwinked and I don't think an author such as Donna Leon needs such deception to sell her books, Ruth C. Olsen, 7707 Haynes Point Way, Alexandria, VA 22315

I waited for over 1 year to finally get this book, as it get getting postponed every time I pre-ordered it ! Unfortunately, it wasn't what I expected. I love all of Donna Leon's fiction and non fiction books about Venice, but this one was a disappointment. I found the book to be lacking in the specific facts I had been waiting for. She did talk briefly about how the gondola was made, but I guess I was looking for a more factual history, with time frames, origins, etc. This book was more like an "ode to the gondola",but not the detailed historical factual treatment that I was expecting.

I wanted this book for the CD included. However there was no CD .The seller agreed to a refund or a half and keep the book. The book has beautiful pictures by the Venetian Masters so I kept the book.

An informative book for people who love Venice and the iconic gondola

I'll admit to not having done my homework before downloading this book which I thought was a Brunetti mystery. This is non-fiction and all about gondolas as the name suggests. My rating is lower because it did not meet my expectations, but nonetheless it is very interesting to read. I loved the pictures of scenes with gondolas. I've only been to Venice once, but it was a magical visit and I can understand Donna Leon's love of the city. Her crusade against cruise ships in Venice is quite clear from this book, and I tend to share her sentiments.

I’ve read most of Donna Leon’s books. I enjoyed Gondola.What I noticed instantly is the tiny size. There are such incredible drawings that a coffee table size book would be a better fit. You just want to see what is in those paintings.

A present for a Donna Leon fan. She found it interesting.