In the tradition of Jane Jacobs The Death and Life of Great American Cities comes an urgent plea from internationally renowned art historian Salvatore Settis to preserve Venices future.

What is Venice worth? To whom does this urban treasure belong? Venetians are increasingly abandoning their hometown theres now only one resident for every 140 visitors and Venices fragile fate has become emblematic of the future of historic cities everywhere as it capitulates to tourists and those who profit from them. In If Venice Dies, a fiery blend of history and cultural analysis, internationally renowned art historian Savatore Settis argues that hit-and-run visitors are turning landmark urban settings into shopping malls and theme parks. He warns that Western civilizations prime achievements face impending ruin from mass tourism and global cultural homogenization. This is a passionate plea to secure Venices future, written with consummate authority, wide-ranging erudition, and lan.