Venetian Curiosities — Donna Leon

Donna Leon, the novelist and long-term Venetian resident, presents the most intriguing tales from the history of Venice - among them, the elephant that sought sanctuary in a church and a gambler who wagered the family palazzo - that have helped shape the city's unique customs and identity. The book comes with a suitably Venetian soundtrack: a CD of seven concertos by Vivaldi, performed by original-instrument ensemble Il Complesso Barocco.