"Stones of Venice [introductions]" by John Ruskin examines Venetian architecture in detail, describing, for example over eighty churches. Ruskin discusses the architecture of Venice's Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance periods and provides a general history of the city. In this book, readers are introduced to some of Venice's most famous places, like St. Mark's square and the Ducal Palace and allowed readers from around the world the chance to experience these architectural marvels at a distance.