Venetian Villas

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

This is a comprehensive, well-organized and highly readable manual by two tax specialists, coauthors of Strassels' Year-Round Tax Savers for Retirement, etc. Geared to the new tax law, it offers readers a systematic plan of budgetary and recordkeeping strategies aimed at their current needs and projected goals. Noting that carefully chosen stocks are sound investments over the long haul, the authors strongly recommend mutual funds (which pool the capital of many investors) particularly when used in an equal-sum, fixed-interval ``dollar cost averaging'' investment program. The benefits of dividend compounding, home ownership, term life insurance, student loans and even ``tax-deductible vacations'' are explained, along with investment vehicles to avoid. First serial to Family Circle and Star; Fortune Book Club main selection; author tour. (February 2)

Library Journal

Muraro, formerly director of the Soprintendenza ai Monumenti di Venezia, drew international attention to the Venetian villa through exhibits in the 1950s. With over 400 lavish color photographs by Martin, Venetian Villas continues that picture-and-caption approach. In introductory chapters, Muraro reviews the cultural and economic factors that fostered the building of villas on the Venetian-controlled mainland in the 16th century. The remainder of the hefty volume is a chronologically arranged, pictorial tour of 80 spectacular residences. The text is marred by a somewhat awkward translation and a lack of scholarly helps. Recommended only for libraries that can afford such Venetian luxury. Annette Melville, Bay Area Lib. & Information Sys., Oakland, Cal.

From Barnes & Noble

A survey of nearly 80 superb villas, this book describes in text & photos beautiful, celebrated country houses and manors in their exquisite settings in the province of the Veneto. Discusses the history and architecture of each residence.