Publisher's Synopsis
Valperga is a historical novel written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the author of the famous novel Frankenstein. The book is set in the 14th century in Italy and follows the story of the powerful Countess of Valperga, Caterina, and her struggle to maintain control of her territory during a time of political upheaval.The novel begins with Caterina's marriage to Euthanasius, the Duke of Athens, who is determined to conquer Valperga and add it to his own lands. Despite her initial resistance, Caterina falls in love with Euthanasius and agrees to marry him, hoping to use her influence to protect her people.As the political situation in Italy becomes increasingly unstable, Caterina finds herself torn between her duty to her people and her loyalty to her husband. She must navigate treacherous alliances and betrayals in order to protect Valperga from its enemies, both foreign and domestic.Throughout the novel, Shelley explores themes of power, love, and betrayal, as well as the role of women in society. The character of Caterina is a complex and compelling figure, a strong and intelligent woman who must fight to maintain her autonomy in a world dominated by men.Valperga is a richly detailed and engaging historical novel that showcases Shelley's skill as a storyteller and her deep understanding of human nature. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in the works of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.His fancy only paused, when he would force it to adorn with beauty vice, death, and misery, when disguised by a kingly robe, by the trappings of a victorious army, or the false halo of glory spread over the smoking ruins of a ravaged town. Then his heart sickened, and the banners of triumph or the song of victory could not drive from his recollection the varieties of death, and the groans of torture that occasion such exultation to the privileged murderers of the earth.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
