The islands of Murano, in the lagoon of Venice, have been a sheltered community of glass artists for at least 700 years, leading the world in blown techniques and design of beautiful and functional objects. This new study captures the artistry of Murano glass as well as the multi-generational world of discovery, innovation, alliances, and realliances that have fostered that artistry. With 250 stunning color photographs of Murano glass art and a detailed text that includes historical information and family trees, this book is original in its comprehensive presentation of the artists, both past and present. The seasoned collector will find this an invaluable sourcebook for untangling Murano relationships and tracking individual careers. The novice and curious visitor will find an easy, carefully-structured introduction to the bold beauty of Venetian glass. AUTHOR: Carl I. Gable is an American who divides his life between Atlanta in the United States and Piombino Dese in the Veneto region of Italy. His Italian home is Villa Cornaro, designed by the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio in 1551. He and his wife have been regular visitors to Murano for almost 20 years._x000D_A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Mr. Gable is the author of several popular websites on Italian culture and history (www.boglewood.com).