William Dean Howells was American Consul to Venice for four years. His term ended in 1865. He wrote about the city, and the culture of the Venetians, while there, but finished the book once he had returned to America. This is the second edition, which is expanded slightly, to give more information for tourists. Please be aware that although Howells admires people of the east and Jews, he uses period terms and idioms which modern readers may find offensive. His views of people of African descent may prove offensive to the modern reader. (Summary by Timothy)