Dream of Venice in Black and White: 50 photographers document the city in light and shadow

The acclaimed Italian author Tiziano Scarpa contributes a provocative reflection of his life as a Venetian, experiencing "perpetual change". Scarpa's eloquent and candid introduction exposes the complex issues that threaten the survival of Venice.

"The beauty of Venice could not exist without the unwavering love of those who live and work here," says Shaul Bassi, Ca’Foscari University of Venice. "This book captures with magnificent images and passionate words the spirit of a dream that the world should not take for granted."

Dream of Venice in Black and White is dedicated to the photographer, Gianni Berengo Gardin. He grew up in Venice and it is where his children were born. He considers himself to be "a Venetian, both in character and at heart". In 1960, while taking the vaporetto from the Lido to work in San Marco, he shot one of many iconic portraits of Venice. His photographs, both captivating and controversial, have become intrinsic to Italy’s collective consciousness.

A portion of the proceeds from each book will be donated to the Ikona Photo Gallery, founded by Živa Kraus and located in Venice’s Ghetto Nuovo.

The featured photographers include Olinda Adeane, José Manuel Alorda, Francesco Barasciutti, Marino Bastianello, Gianni Berengo Gardin, Julie Brami, Fabio Bressanello, Paul Bucknall, Leslie Burgher and many more.

The Dream of Venice series is published by Bella Figura Publications, an imprint dedicated to the investigation of Venice as a living city. Find out more: www.bellafigurapublications.com.