Each year in Venice the weeks preceeding the privations of Lent are forgotten in the exuberant release of carnival. The dissolute behaviour of its citizens in the 18th century reached such depths that the use of masks was banned, but revived in the 1970s it has since become the prevailing image of Carnevale. In this elegantly- designed book the reader is offered a concise introduction to the history of the carnival and mask-wearing, illustrated by J.C. Brown's moody and evocative photos of Venetian masks and the beautiful city.

The Venice Carnival is recognized worldwide as a symbol of all that is lavish and original in costume and design. Set amongst the 18th-century palazzos and piazzas, the Carnival has a life of its own, each year being lead by a theme as dramatic as the seasons, cosmos, or fire and influenced by mythology, history and culture. This book offers an insight into this vibrant Italian carnival and is complemented by historical information and contemporary photography.

The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy. The Carnival ends with the Christian celebration of Lent, forty days before Easter, on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso or Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. The festival is world-famous for its elaborate masks.It's said that the Carnival of Venice was started from a victory of the Venice Republic against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico di Treven in the year 1162. In the honour of this victory, the people started to dance and gather in San Marco Square. Apparently, this festival started on that period and became official in the Renaissance. It reappeared gradually in the nineteenth century, but only for short periods and above all for private feasts, where it became an occasion for artistic creations.After a long absence, the Carnival returned in 1979.[6] The Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice, and sought to use the traditional Carnival as the centerpiece of its efforts. The redevelopment of the masks began as the pursuit of some Venetian college students for the tourist trade. Since then, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for the Carnival.[7] One of the most important events is the contest for la maschera più bella ("the most beautiful mask") which will be judged by a panel of international costume and fashion designers. Several distinct styles of mask are worn in the Venice Carnival, some with identifying names. People with different occupations wore different masks.

A colorful and interesting look at Venice Carnival with close attention to Mask and costumes, along with wonderful black and white images of venice italy.A fashion look at the fine details of many wonderful carnival costumes.

A unique cultural statement, a kaleidoscope of European sophistication, finery and fun. This portfolio showcases the Carnival in Venice, providing fresh insight into its delightful attributes. With an incisive eye for detail and the subtleties of colour, texture and humanity, it captures the spirit and humour of the Carnival.

For photographer Robin Yong, the Venetian Carnival had always been a faraway dream. He often wondered about the costumed people and who they really were. And then, he jumped on the opportunity to travel to Venice, Italy, to photograph the Venetian Carnival, one of the most beautiful festivals in one of the most enchanting cities in the world. In Beginning in Venice, he shares a collection of photographs from that trip and narrates the stories behind the photographs. With an eye for composition and color and for capturing remarkable moments, these pictures document the wonderful events of outrageous costumes set in a medieval environment. It tells a story of history, culture, art, and sensuality. Each image is imbued with Robin Yongs love for the masquerade and its actors: smiles or frowns on the masks, sparks in the eyes of his models, textures, colors, and minute details in a costume. Through the photographs presented in Beginning in Venice, the beauty and romance of Venice comes alive.