As of a few days ago, my last book is on the World Wide Web.[1] It can be found on my Ca’ Bon Gallery website, whence it can be downloaded without much ado (www.cabongallery.org). And it gives me an enormous pleasure. Out of print for a while, it is finally available to everyone who cares about Motovun’s history. The second edition is already in preparation, as well. In addition to several new pieces and addenda, it will contain a much richer chronology. Also, it will boast of a bunch of new photographs by Eni Nurkollari. The upcoming edition will be updated from time to time, as well. As years go by, the chronology will loom ever larger. Having lost faith in publishers of this world, I am surrendering to publishing of last resort. Dedicated to the memory of Mariano Maurović, the last Motovun historian, may the book thrive in his spirit.[2] The spirit of rebellion against all and sundry.

Addendum (October 23, 2015)

Gosh, how peppy I sounded a bit more than three years ago! Given all the promises this piece boasts about, the second edition of the book must be a marvel to behold. Or is it? In fact, the second edition is still a dream at this juncture. There has been not a single new entry to Motovun’s chronology over all these years. And there has been not a single new photograph by my friend, either. In fact, the book is dead in the water. Even worse, I cannot imagine lifting a finger toward the second edition any time soon. In retrospect, all this piece is about is my disenchantment with Elisabeth Sandmann for her lack of interest in the book’s commercial future. Back then, I was quite sure that it would sell well in many a souvenir shop and gallery that has popped up all around the hilltown in recent years. Would they, though? Perhaps the publisher made a good commercial decision, after all.

Footnote

1. Toward a Short History of Motovun, Munich: Elisabeth Sandmann Verlag, 2010.

2. Op. cit., p. 5.