"Add No Vulgar Hotel to the list of books you must read before you come to Venice." ―Donna Leon This is the definitive book for managing an incurable passion for a decaying, waterlogged village. Whether you already have a raging case of Venetophilia or are among the fifteen million people who yearly put themselves in danger of contracting it, here is where you get your fix of Venetian wit, history, practicality, and enchantment. "Do yourself a courtesy and read this revelation about the Jewel of the Adriatic." ― P. J. O’Rourke "Perfect for a swift, semi-intellectual overview of Venice that goes several steps deeper than the average tourist guide." ― Publishers Weekly "Interesting, frequently enlightening, and always amusing." ― Library Journal "Reading her book, with its captivating mini-histories of Venetian literary salons, families of note and artists in residence, is like attending a gossipy Continental dinner party in which Martin not only plays the hostess but moonlights as various guests…Not only does Martin know what she likes, she knows how to serve it." ― Pamela Paul, New York Times Book Review "In the spirit of Henry James…Fans of Miss Manners’ high comic style will find much to amuse them in this idiosyncratic slice of prosciutto on wry." ― Amanda Heller, Boston Sunday Globe Judith Martin , born a perfect lady in an imperfect society, is the author of the “Miss Manners” columns and best-selling books, two novels, and a travel book on Venice. She and her husband live in Washington, DC. Eric Denker is a Senior Lecturer in the Education Department of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.