Contarini's Commonwealth and Government of Venice, translated by Lewkenor, 1599 (engraving)

The Commonwealth and Government of Venice played a pivotal role in conveying the myth of 16th-century Venice to an English audience. First written in Latin by Cardinal Gasparo Contarini, it was translate d into English in 1599 by Lewis Lewkenor. With a string of hyperboles, the book idealises the city as a perfect example of justice, tolerance, trade and imperial power. Full title: The Commonwealth and Gouernment of Venice. Written by the Cardinall Gasper Contareno, and translated out of Italian into English, by Lewes Lewkenor ... With sundry other collections, annexed by the translator for the more cleere and exact satisfaction of the reader. With a short chronicle in the end, of the liues and raignes of the Venetian Dukes, from the very beginnings of their citie Published: 1599, London Creator: Contarini Giovanni Matteo, Lewis Lewkenor [translator] Shelfmark: 1440.c.12.