In "City of Fortune," Roger Crowley crafts a masterful narrative that charts the astonishing rise of Venice from a humble cluster of lagoon dwellings to the zenith of maritime power, commanding the Mediterranean with its fleets. This epic tale, spanning five dramatic centuries, captures the essence of ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of wealth through trade, crusade, and conquest. Crowley's vivid recounting brings to life the audacious sack of Constantinople, the fierce rivalry with Genoa, and the desperate stand against the advancing Turks. It's a story of how a city under the banner of St. Mark transformed into an empire of ports and naval bases, a conduit for the world's treasures, and ultimately, the wealthiest place on earth. Through a dazzling mosaic of trade, diplomacy, and plunder, Venice emerged as a beacon of civilization and a testament to human ingenuity and spirit. Drawing on firsthand accounts of adventure and adversity at sea, "City of Fortune" is more than just a history; it's a journey to a time when Venice was the center of the world. Crowley's narrative is as engaging as it is informative, filled with tales of piracy, seafaring, and the exotic locales where Venetians ventured and often met their fates. The book culminates in the dramatic shift of global trade routes with the Portuguese discovery of a sea path to India, signaling the beginning of the end for Venice's golden age. Crowley's work stands as a tribute to Venice's legacy—a city that, in its quest for fortune, shaped the course of civilization.