The Italian

The Italian is a tragic story of romance and mystery set in Naples during the Holy Inquisition, published in the aftermath of the French Revolution. It is an essential work of Gothic fiction and an early example of Ann Radcliffe's prowess as a novelist of suspense and the supernatural.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 430 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Graphic Arts Books

The Italian, a novel by Ann Radcliffe, is a tragic tale of romance and mystery set in Naples during the brutal years of the Holy Inquisition. Published in the aftermath of the French Revolution, the novel delves into the issues of religion and class that fueled the Republican cause, shaping Europe and the world forever. Considered a seminal work of Gothic fiction, The Italian showcases Radcliffe's exceptional talent as a master of suspense and the supernatural.

While touring Naples, a young Englishman encounters a friar at the church of Santa Maria del Pianto. There, he notices a mysterious stranger sitting near the confessional. The friar informs him that the man is an assassin. Intrigued, the Englishman's friend, an Italian, offers to send him the narrative containing the assassin's shocking confession.

Back in his hotel room, the Englishman reads a story that begins in 1758 at the church of San Lorenzo. There, a young nobleman named Vicentio falls in love with a beautiful orphan named Ellena. When Vicentio shares his desire to marry Ellena with his mother, the Marchesa, she conspires with the evil Father Schedoni to change his mind. Tragically, Ellena disappears, sending Vicentio on a quest to save her life.

This edition of Ann Radcliffe's The Italian is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, it offers a captivating experience for those who seek to delve into the depths of this timeless masterpiece.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513216331