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In some cultures failing to pay one’s taxes is regarded as a disgrace, but not so in ours, where ‘tax fugitives’ are feted as heroes, writes FINTAN O’TOOLE

I RECENTLY came across an interesting passage in John Berendt’s book on Venice, The City of Falling Angels. Berendt is writing about the Save Venice committee, a very high-toned organisation of super-rich, mostly American philanthropists, dedicated to protecting and restoring the artistic and architectural treasures of that marvellous city. Save Venice did very good work, but it was also the epitome of philanthropic glamour, heavily freighted with aristocrats and heiresses, and supported by luxury brands like Tiffany, Escada, Piaget and Moet Chandon.