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The Story of the Dogaressas of Venice, the Wives of the Doges, has not hitherto been told in English; but when my many appreciative readers have finished this volume, I am confident they will agree with me that there is much that is very interesting and unique in my narrative.The influence of good women upon the well-being of Society is undeniable: that eloquent French mot: - Cherchez la Femme, has a subtle and impressive meaning. In the election of a Doge of the Most Serene Republic of Venice the personality of his spouse had often as not considerable weight in the decision of the Lords of the Council. My long list of the Ducal wearers of the lesser Corno contains the name of not one who failed to play her magnificent role with infinite credit to herself and with conspicuous benefit to the State.In the compilation of my Libro d'Oro delle Dogaresse di Venezia, I have found La Storia di Venezia and La Dogaressa di Venezia, - the remarkably able works of Signore Pompeo Giovanni Molmenti, - of the greatest service, and I now beg to offer that erudite writer, if he is still alive, my heartiest acknowledgments. Mr W.C. Hazlett's Venetian Republic, out and away the best English history of Venice, - has been invaluable.The Roll of the Most Serene Dogaressas is unique, - such a complete list has never been published, - it will therefore be exceedingly useful to students of history and lovers of romance.
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