The Modern Scholar: A History of Venice

Queen of the Seas

By: Prof. Thomas F. Madden

Narrated by: Thomas F. Madden

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

Renowned professor Thomas F. Madden focuses his expertise on what has been called the most beautiful city in the world: Venice. In these lectures, Professor Madden explains how the city on the lagoon was established by refugees escaping the onslaught of northern “barbarians” invading the crumbling Roman Empire. Through its history, Venice housed the world’s leading merchants, thrived as a maritime powerhouse, and developed into an independent republic not unlike the present United States. Venice draws millions of visitors each year, and these lectures shed light on why the city is such a continual source of fascination.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Thomas F. Madden (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Fascinating history

This might be my favorite history course on Audible. Fascinating lectures about topics I wasn't very familiar with. If you are interested in Italy, the early middke ages, the crusades, etc. I would recommend It. The lecturer is great and easy to listen to without being boring at all. Great preamble to my upcoming trip to Venice!

Fascinating, Action Packed History

Wow! Venice has the most amazing, influential and seedy history, I had no idea. This professor is very good at explaining a fascinating subject. One of my favorites under the Modern Scholar Michael Drout lectures. I wish there was more.

A Nice Introduction to the History of Venice

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed hearing this college lecture series on the History of Venice. I was very interested in the subject, and this aduiobook helped feed my hunger for stories and details about the amazing city. This book is a great place to start, but follow it with "Venice: Pure City" by Peter Ackroyd -- that is a truly remarkable book about the fascinating history, ancient beauty, and timeless wonder of Venice.

Absolutely fascinating

An amazing book on the history of Venice. Perfect for anyone who wants to visit. I would love if he did this series for several European cities.

I would liked to have heard more about the history of the Jews in Venice because I think that was a little white washed.

fascinating

great lectures on the history of Venice. it was an inspiring audiobook on a fascinating city and I was actually sad it ended.

Well Researched & Entertaining

My husband (a history major) and I listened to this on a roadtrip over to Venice. It thoroughly enhanced our stay. Highly recommended!

Magnificent lecture series

Having been to Venice many times. It amazes me to realize how little I had previously known about its history. This lecture series has been greatly satisfying. I would recommend it to anyone, even those who haven't been there. But do try to see it.

More than just world tourist destination

Would you consider the audio edition of The Modern Scholar: A History of Venice to be better than the print version?

I always love audio version of lectures. Because I don't have much time to sit still and hold my books.

What does the narrator bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love the way he performed that to me more like entertaining while I learn more about Venice, that I wouldn't get the experience if I just read any book about the history Venice

Any additional comments?

I have some expectation when I visit Venice someday thanks for this lecture. I will not just enjoy the scenery, but perceive the city that has fascinating ancient history, with all that unique and antique beauty.

Learnt so much

Would you listen to The Modern Scholar: A History of Venice again? Why?

Selected chapters would be worth a review. The story of Venice as told in this audiobook has connected the dots of my understanding of European history, the Byzantine Empire, Napoleon, the Ottoman Empire and much much more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Modern Scholar: A History of Venice?

The moment when, faced by the firepower of 18th century naval ships, Venice realised that the lagoon no longer offered the protection that drew the first Venetians so many centuries earlier.

What three words best describe the narrator’s voice?

Earnest, engaging, correct.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No.

Great entertainment

What made the experience of listening to The Modern Scholar: A History of Venice the most enjoyable?

Easy to listen too yet enough depth and details to make it hard to put on pause. I liked the small details that he manages to add to the otherwise high-level story line.

Interesting and entertaining

Recommended; very interesting and clear. Has the advantage of both giving the history of Venice and placing it in the general picture of European history. A BIG minus for the professor's pronounciation of Italian names and placenames, sometimes just annoying, but a lot of the time downright impossible to decifer, especially when dealing with less famous historical characters. And why should it be so difficult for a scholar to learn how to say 'Veneto' properly?? VEneto, not VenIIto. Please! Still, apart from this, nicely read, and very informative.

Good information, poor narration

Good information in terms of historical accuracy and chronological order of events. I especially appreciated the in depth look at the Venetian monetary system.

Another Madden home run!

Prof. Madden gives an excellent introduction to the long & important history of Venice's role in the commerce, diplomacy & military affairs of the mediterranean. Venice is a beautiful city but it has an equally fascinating past. Only slight criticsm is that would rather hear a bit more on the culture, economics & customs of the people at the expense of dynastic succession details. Lecture titles below.

1. Refugees of the Lagoon: The Origins of Venice
2. Coming of Age: The Expansion of Venetian Power
3. In a Dangerous World
4. In the Age of the Crusades
5. A Merchant Republic in a Feudal Age: Political Reform in Medieval Venice
6. Birth of a Maritime Empire: Venice and the Fourth Crusade
7. Birth of Modern Finance in Venice
8. The Rise of Venice: Prosperity and Power in the West and East
9. A Time of Wars: The Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries
10. A New World: The Fall of Byzantium and the Rise of the Renaissance
11. A Medieval Republic in a Modern World: The Decline and Fall of Venice
12. The Grand Tour and Carnevale
13. The Empty House: Venice and the State of Italy
14. Modern Venice