The identity of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, is inseparable from the waters of the lagoon by which she is surrounded. Isabella Panfido takes us on an exploration of those waters that since time immemorial have been Venice’s refuge and defence, visiting many of its islands and introducing us to their elusive magic and their well-kept secrets.

“…water that regenerates, water that invades, water that cures and contaminates, water that nurtures and teaches, water that is never satisfied, water that devastates, villainous water, innocent water, ever-varying water – the brackish waters of the Lagoon.”

Isabella Panfido “Venice Noir: The Dark History of the Lagoons”. First published in Italian in 2016. Published in English by Dedalus in 2021. Translated by Christine Donougher. Donated to the library by Adrian and Liz Arratoon from London, UK ❤️

Photos by Anna Iltnere / Sea Library