Selvaggia de' Vergiolesi

by Giuseppe Tigri

"Selvaggia de' Vergiolesi" by Giuseppe Tigri is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of 14th-century Italy, specifically highlighting the tensions between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, through the lens of love and conflict. The central character, Selvaggia, is intricately tied to the events surrounding the notable poet Cino da Pistoia and the political struggles of the time. At the start of the narrative, a knight named Messer Simone de Filippo Reali leaves Pistoia on the eve of significant historical turmoil, as factions are brewing for an impending siege of the city. He encounters local residents who inform him of his destination, the castle of Vergiole, which is shrouded in political intrigue. The opening sets a picturesque stage filled with evocative descriptions of the Italian landscape and introduces the political stakes at play, while hinting at the personal struggles and romantic entanglements that will intertwine with the broader historical context as the events unfold. The tone is rich and immersive, inviting readers into a tumultuous yet captivating era of Italian history.