The 20th Century at the Courtauld Institute Gallery

This book is the first informed overview of the restoration Venice has undergone in the last two hundred years, from the Austrian occupation to today. It is a mistake to think that Venice has been preserved in aspic. A great deal changed after the Fall of the Republic in 1797. Quite how much is not realised by its visitors. Having read this book, you will never look upon Venice's streets, houses and canals in the same way again. This book is a sobering, informative critical history, both sympathetically and caustically explaining the viewpoint of the nineteenth-century restorers and illustrating to devastating effect how the same mentality continues to this day. One special virtue of the book is to explain to English-language readers what would otherwise be the impenetrable secrets of modern Italian building legislation and practice. It is essential reading for those concerned with conservation worldwide, but also for lovers of the city who would like to gain a better idea of the reality of the numerous works of 'extraordinary maintenance' to which the city continues to be subject. Its price includes a donation to the Venice in Peril Fund. Substantial and controversial press interest is expected.