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Taking the fire that destroyed the Fenice theatre in 1996 as his starting point- John Berendt creates a unique and unforgettable portrait of Venice and its extraordinary inhabitants. Beneath the exquisite facade of the worlds most beautiful historic city- scandal- corruption and venality are rampant- and John Berendt is a master at seeking them out. Ezra Pound and his mistress- Olga; poet Mario Stefani; the Rat Man of Treviso; or Mario Moro - self-styled carabiniere- fireman- soldier or airman- depending on the day of the week.With his background in journalism- Berendt is perfectly poised to gain access to private and unapproachable people- and persuade them to talk frankly to him. The result is mischievous- witty- compelling - and destined to be the non-fiction succes destime of the year....