Most Glorious & Peerless Venice: Observations of Thomas Coryate (1608)

Thomas Coryate (1577?-1617), who hailed from Odcombe in Somerset, was one of the more eccentric and fascinating figures of the court of James I and Henry, Prince of Wales (where he acted as wit and unofficial buffoon). In 1608 he travelled all over Europe, mainly on foot (hence his nickname ‘the Odcombian Leg-stretcher’). This resulted in his celebrated book ‘Coryats Crudities’, published in 1611, which laid the foundations for the Grand Tour. The highlight of his trip was the six weeks he spent in Venice. An acutely perceptive observer, writing with infectious enthusiasm, Coryate’s lively account includes art, architecture, economy, politics, history, fashion, food and drink, gondolas, churches, music, theatre, executions, courtesans, the Jewish Ghetto, and the bustling activities of Piazza San Marco. He paints an intriguing picture of life in one of the world’s most extraordinary and mysterious cities. This was the first detailed description of Venice written by an Englishman. ‘Most Glorious & Peerless Venice’ re-presents that section of the ‘Crudities’ (out-of-print and almost forgotten for more than a century) for the modern reader. Attractively illustrated throughout with photographs by David Whittaker and various historical engravings, as well as notes, a glossary and a sketch of Coryate’s remarkable life. The book is a compelling read for anyone interested in early travel writing – as a unique eyewitness narrative it has never been surpassed – it also demonstrates how surprisingly little Venice has changed in 400 years. This book is currently available from Wavestone Press or Amazon UK.