Valperga Volume 1 (of 3) : or, The life and adventures of Castruccio, prince of Lucca

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, 1797-1851

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Valperga Volume 1 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative follows the life and adventures of Castruccio Castracani, a prince of Lucca, amidst the turbulent political conflicts of 14th-century Italy, particularly the rivalries between the Guelphs and the Ghibelines. Key themes seem to revolve around ambition, loyalty, and the impact of political strife on personal lives. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Castruccio in a period of upheaval; his family is exiled from Lucca when he is just eleven years old. He witnesses the dramatic events of his family's downfall, forming a strong foundation for his character development, ambitions, and future endeavors. The story highlights his childhood experiences, the loss of his mother, and his subsequent determination to reclaim his family's legacy. The early chapters set the stage for his subsequent journey through Italy and beyond, including his encounters with significant characters like Euthanasia, his childhood friend, and figures like Francis Guinigi, who influences his perspectives on power and morality. As Castruccio grapples with his exile and aspirations, the narrative hints at his quest for personal glory and the moral complexities intertwined with his journey. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Amanda Fish and Laura Natal Rodrigues at Free Literature (Images generously made available by The Internet Archive.)

Notes:

Reading ease score: 55.2 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valperga_(novel)

Release date is 2020-09-29