Subject
Lucca (Italy) -- History -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Valperga Volume 1 (of 3) or, The life and adventures of Castruccio, prince of Lucca
"Valperga Volume 1 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel published in 1823. Set during medieval Italy's wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines, it follows the real fourteenth-century despot Castruccio Castracani as his armies threaten the fortress of Valperga. Countess Euthanasia, who governs the fortress and loves Castruccio, must choose between her feelings for him and political liberty. Through this medieval tale, Shelley explores questions of political power, republicanism, and the right to autonomy against imperial conquest.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Valperga Volume 3 (of 3) or, The life and adventures of Castruccio, prince of Lucca
"Valperga Volume 3 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel published in 1823. Set during the wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines in early fourteenth-century Italy, it follows the real historical figure Castruccio Castracani, a despot who becomes lord of Lucca. His conquests threaten the fortress of Valperga, ruled by Countess Euthanasia, the woman he loves. She must choose between her love for him and political liberty, highlighting themes of power, autonomy, and moral principles in post-Napoleonic Europe.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Valperga Volume 2 (of 3) or, The life and adventures of Castruccio, prince of Lucca
"Valperga Volume 2 (of 3)" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel published in 1823. Set during the wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines in fourteenth-century Italy, the story follows the real historical figure Castruccio Castracani, a despot who conquers territories including Florence. His ambitions threaten the fortress of Valperga, ruled by Countess Euthanasia, the woman he loves. She must choose between her devotion to him and her commitment to political liberty. Through medieval history, Shelley explores themes of imperialism, republicanism, and moral principle.
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