History and Fiction in the Story of Gerolamo Veno - Book Report/Review Example

History and Fiction in the Story of Gerolamo Veno Showing different viewpoints of history and the way that they tie together for different concepts allows one to relate to different time periods and cultures. One of the books that show the perspective of history and how it works is “Pistols! Treason! Murder!: The Rise and Fall of a Master Spy” by Jonathan Walker. This particular book portrays one of the top spies in Italian history during the 17th centuries. Walker uses this story not only to identify the concepts of the master spy, but also to show a different perspective on this historical time period. The ways that Walker crafts this particular book works to show insight and depth into Venice, Italy during the 1600s. The main concept that Walker presents is to show a different relationship to history and the surrounding events that occurred. Walker uses specific literary devices as well as concepts to relay this main theme. While the presentation of concepts in this book is historical in nature, the way in which Walker integrates fact with fiction allows for a different set of concepts to be given to the reader. Walker is able to show the culture, social and political environment of Venice, Italy in the 17th century and relates this to the individual character of Gerolamo Veno. Using both of these parts of the book is then able to show the reader a different perspective of this historical time frame. Walker states that “I reclaim these defunct privileges as I write on a threshold situated between now and then, where I gamble with different voices and devices, as Veno gambled with his own life and that of his victims. Every chapter is a roll of the dice” (Walker, 2). This introduction shows the main intent of the author as well as the focus of the book. Walker focuses on the different voices and devices, specifically to tell a story and to portray a time frame in history that is filled with espionage, spying and execution. Having this as the main intent of the author is then able to lead the reader into a complete understanding of this time frame. When looking at the main concepts of Walker’s book, it can be seen that he crosses into different narratives to tell the story, specifically to achieve his main goals of telling about history and the life of Veno. This is one that is represented by ideas of both fact and fiction. This is seen best by the point of view that Walker presents. From the beginning of the story, there is a relationship to the character and plot line as a fictional book and as a mystery. As the mystery unfolds, there is the ability to recount not only information about the main character Gerolamo Veno as a spy, but also to understand the politics and culture of this time frame. Walker portrays this through a third person point of view, which recounts the details and ways of thinking of Gerolamo Veno and the surrounding environment that pushed him to this. The factual information that is surrounding the story, such as the execution information, letters and historical figures, work with this to show a complete perspective on the historical time frame and the way in which Veno worked as a spy. The second way that this particular story is presented is through the piecing together of factual information and details of the story. There are several comic strips that are used throughout the book, specifically used in relation to the dialogue and events that are used. Walker uses this to show a story like set of figures to this historical timeframe through Veno. This is followed by illustrations that are presented through the book, specifically to show a different perspective of this book. Many of the illustrations and figures are taken from the artwork of Italy during this time frame, which creates historical relevance that is linked to the story. More than this, the illustrations work to create a different response from the reader. For instance, when showing the assassination of Cazzari, Walker does not simply state what happens. Instead, he takes a sketch from Italy and this time period that creates a direct response. This is one in which the individual assassinated is torn to limbs with an executioner taking his blood to scribe on. The individual is held by a devil and an angel at the same time. This representation shows the artwork of this time frame, cultural and social beliefs relating to the story and relevance to the story at the same time. There is also a connection and response from those looking at the picture, specifically because of the content that is presented in the sketch. The reader is then able to create a different relationship to the historical ideas presented from this time period at several levels. Walker defines the story of Veno through the different actions that he takes, which then relates to the environment that he is in. From the beginning of the story, Veno is presented as a mysterious character that is responsible for executing several men for his own career. The way in which Veno is presented through the letters and information is based on his information as a spy. He points out that there are certain traders that are in charge of espionage in Italy and which should be executed. As the story moves through certain events, it shows how Veno is able to prove that Foscarini is one of the accused and should be executed. However, by the end of the story, there is a twist to show that the facts Veno puts the information together without any real knowledge of what is occurring. The way that Walker approaches this is not only important in the telling of this story as a spy story, but also in telling the details of the politics of the time. Through the character of Vano, one is able to see how the politics of Venice worked at this time. For instance, Veno is considered a part of a hierarchy with the general of spies at the time, in which others were loyal to and which considered him as a leader. This leads to an understanding of the political framework of the time, such as through the Council of Ten and State Inquisitors that are mentioned in the book. The historical concepts related to espionage and the turmoil of the time is also recounted through this narrative, specifically with the relationship to the spies of the time. For instance, Veno’s understanding of Spanish and his fluency of different cultural practices shows a political relationship between the two countries. This also presents a different understanding of the tensions that occurred during the time between Italy and other nations with the political concepts. Having espionage as a main crime, for instance, was also able to present the political uprisings of this time period that are often not mentioned in historical records. The presentation of Veno as a main ideal of the historical time frame then moves into the unfolding of different events through the book to portray a different concept of the culture and politics of Venice. Walker takes time to explain not only Veno as a character, as well as the surrounding events, but also portrays specific historical accounts that were important during this time, similar to putting together a puzzle of what occurs. This shows the larger perspective of the historical time frame and what is occurring. For instance, after introducing Veno and the main concepts of spying in Italy, Walker takes time to introduce the tensions between the Italians and the Spanish. Specifically, Walker shows that the Venetians had a disregard for the Spanish and were afraid of the nation because of political uprisings and potential threats to the country. Walker is able to show the historical relevance to this while relating it to the idea of espionage. The idea of politics is not only seen with the tensions, but is also pieced together with the culture and surrounding ideas of the time. After several accounts of the idea of being a spy and the way in which Vano advanced, Walker is able to present ideas about the idea of 17th century culture. One aspect of this is related to the diplomats that were a part of the political region. Walker shows the attitudes that are a part of this as well as the way in which embassies functioned. This is one of the main reasons why Veno and other characters in the book are able to present information in specific ways. Later in the book, Walker presents an understanding of the culture and social concepts of the time. This relates to the idea of spies and the awareness that the culture and social structure had. This not only portrays the misunderstandings of political figures during this time but also shows that the awareness of what was occurring with political tensions was misunderstood by the culture of the time. This further relates to the assassination of Foscarini and the political decisions made with the spying that was portrayed by Veno. By the end of the book, there are several changes in what happens, specifically which reflects on the unawareness of society and the reactions to both of the characters. For instance, Foscarini has a street named after him; however, soon after Veno is recognized for his regard. This not only reflects the political confusion and tension of the time, but also shows the unawareness of the society and culture in regards to this situation. The specific concepts that are portrayed in Walker’s book shows two main concepts related to Venice, Italy in the 1600s. The first is a plot line related to espionage and spies that were a part of this time frame. The second relation is the historical references and accounts that are a part of this. The political, cultural and social pieces that Walker puts together with the story, provides a different account of this time frame and the historical tensions that were arising during this time. Works Cited 1. Walker, Jonathan. Pistols! Treason! Murder!: The Rise and Fall of a Master Spy. John Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, 2009. Read More

Walker portrays this through a third person point of view, which recounts the details and ways of thinking of Gerolamo Veno and the surrounding environment that pushed him to this. The factual information that is surrounding the story, such as the execution information, letters and historical figures, work with this to show a complete perspective on the historical time frame and the way in which Veno worked as a spy. The second way that this particular story is presented is through the piecing together of factual information and details of the story.

There are several comic strips that are used throughout the book, specifically used in relation to the dialogue and events that are used. Walker uses this to show a story like set of figures to this historical timeframe through Veno. This is followed by illustrations that are presented through the book, specifically to show a different perspective of this book. Many of the illustrations and figures are taken from the artwork of Italy during this time frame, which creates historical relevance that is linked to the story.

More than this, the illustrations work to create a different response from the reader. For instance, when showing the assassination of Cazzari, Walker does not simply state what happens. Instead, he takes a sketch from Italy and this time period that creates a direct response. This is one in which the individual assassinated is torn to limbs with an executioner taking his blood to scribe on. The individual is held by a devil and an angel at the same time. This representation shows the artwork of this time frame, cultural and social beliefs relating to the story and relevance to the story at the same time.

There is also a connection and response from those looking at the picture, specifically because of the content that is presented in the sketch. The reader is then able to create a different relationship to the historical ideas presented from this time period at several levels. Walker defines the story of Veno through the different actions that he takes, which then relates to the environment that he is in. From the beginning of the story, Veno is presented as a mysterious character that is responsible for executing several men for his own career.

The way in which Veno is presented through the letters and information is based on his information as a spy. He points out that there are certain traders that are in charge of espionage in Italy and which should be executed. As the story moves through certain events, it shows how Veno is able to prove that Foscarini is one of the accused and should be executed. However, by the end of the story, there is a twist to show that the facts Veno puts the information together without any real knowledge of what is occurring.

The way that Walker approaches this is not only important in the telling of this story as a spy story, but also in telling the details of the politics of the time. Through the character of Vano, one is able to see how the politics of Venice worked at this time. For instance, Veno is considered a part of a hierarchy with the general of spies at the time, in which others were loyal to and which considered him as a leader. This leads to an understanding of the political framework of the time, such as through the Council of Ten and State Inquisitors that are mentioned in the book.

The historical concepts related to espionage and the turmoil of the time is also recounted through this narrative, specifically with the relationship to the spies of the time. For instance, Veno’s understanding of Spanish and his fluency of different cultural practices shows a political relationship between the two countries. This also presents a different understanding of the tensions that occurred during the time between Italy and other nations with the political concepts. Having espionage as a main crime, for instance, was also able to present the political uprisings of this time period that are often not mentioned in historical records.

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