Profusely illustrated in b/w and in color. "In 1291, all glassblowers from Venice were forced to move to Murano due to the risk of fire. It was also said that the intention was to better safeguard the secrets of glassblowing in this way. Under penalty of death, glassblowers were forbidden to pass on their art; these people lived as prisoners on the island. Murano became famous for its glassware and also for its mirrors. Aventurine glass was also invented on Murano. Later, the island became famous for its chandeliers. In the eighteenth century, the industry declined as glass art rose in Bohemia. However, even at the beginning of the twenty-first century, glass remains the most important industry on Murano." (bron: wiki)