Having recently returned from Venice, I wish I had this book before I left. Mr. Gable's meticulously researched volume offers so much valuable information, any glass collector or any tourist interested in a deeper perspective of the glass art of the city should read this book. The author's grasp of the nuances of the various styles is masterful and gave me a whole new appreciation of the experience I had in Venice.

"Murano Magic" is a terrific volume to own if you love collecting Venetian glass as much as I do. Or if you want to learn the ropes. This exhaustively researched (and yet surprisingly easy to read!) book tells you everything about the big glassmaking families and their works. (I especially liked the historical perspective the author gave to discussing the different glassmaking houses.) And the photos are outstanding. Many glass books I've seen just don't have enough photos to show examples of all the different kinds of Venetian glass (there are literally thousands of styles). "Murano Magic" has wonderful photos and lots of them. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in Venetian glass.

It is almost a crime that Amazon is listing this book with "No Photo Available," because it's a real eye-catcher of a volume, with stunning photographs on every page. But don't be fooled by its beauty; this is no mere coffee-table book. Rather, it's an encyclopedic guide, exhaustively researched and engagingly written. I have been fortunate enough to visit Venice several times, but Murano Magic made me see the city and its art with new eyes and a deeper appreciation. I would recommend the book to anyone, but especially to those who are planning a trip to Northern Italy.