
The Viper of Milan: a Romance of Lombardy
Set in the 16th century, The Viper of Milan is a thrilling historical romance set in Lombardy, Italy.
The story follows the adventures of the young and beautiful Isabella, daughter of the Duke of Milan. When her father is murdered by the ruthless and ambitious Count of Pavia, Isabella is forced to flee for her life. She finds refuge in the home of the mysterious and handsome Count of Montevarchi, who is determined to protect her from the Count of Pavia.
As Isabella and the Count of Montevarchi grow closer, they must face the dangers of a treacherous court and a powerful enemy. With the help of a loyal band of followers, they must fight to save Isabella’s life and restore justice to Lombardy. Along the way, they discover a secret that could change the course of history.
The Viper of Milan is a thrilling tale of love, loyalty, and courage in the face of danger.
By Marjorie Bowen · First published 1906 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 35 chapters · 95,930 words
First lines
It is a day in early summer, as beautiful as such days were in the Southern lands of 500 years ago. It is Italy steeped in golden sunlight which lies like a haze over the spreading view; the year 1360, when cities were beautiful and nature all-pervading. Here is Lombardy, spread like a garden in the hollow of the hills, ringed about with the purple Apennines, covered with flowers, white, yellow, purple, and pink. This wide road, one of the finest in Italy, winds from Milan to Brescia, its whole length through chestnut woods and plains covered with flowering myrtle. Primroses in great clusters border its sides, and from the midst of their delicate blooms spring the slender stems of poplar-trees; these are red-gold, bursting into bloom against a tender sky; tufts of young green; clumps of wild violets.
What this Textopian page supports
The Viper of Milan: a Romance of Lombardy is listed on Textopian as a novel by Marjorie Bowen, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Marjorie Bowen
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
- Length: 95,930 words
- Structure: 35 chapters, 3,608 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Viper of Milan: a Romance of Lombardy by Marjorie Bowen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Viper of Milan: a Romance of Lombardy?
- How does this novel by Marjorie Bowen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Romance — The title of the book includes the word 'Romance' and the plot is centered around a romantic relationship.
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in Lombardy, a region in northern Italy, and is based on historical events.
- Adventure — The book follows the protagonist's journey as they face various obstacles and challenges.
- Fantasy — The book includes elements of fantasy, such as the presence of a mythical creature, the Viper of Milan.
Tags
'and · 'he · 'the · conrad · count · cried · della · despotism · door · duke · eyes · fell
Contents
- Chapter 1: Gian Galeazzo Maria Visconti
- Chapter 1: Dedication
- Chapter 2 - 'Francisco'
- Chapter 3: The Hostage of the D'estes
- Chapter 4: Valentine
- Chapter 5: The Painter's Daughter
- Chapter 6: The Rescue of Count Von Schulembourg
- Chapter 7: Graziosa's Bracelet
- Chapter 8: For a Lady's Gift
- Chapter 9: The Return of the Dead
- Chapter 10: The Turquoise Gloves
- Chapter 11: Mastino Della Scala
- Chapter 12: Graziosa's Lover
- Chapter 13: Valentine Visconti's Toast
- Chapter 14: The Tumult at the Western Gate
- Chapter 15: A Prisoner from Milan
- Chapter 16: For a Game of Chess
- Chapter 17: The Terrors of the Night
- Chapter 18: Giacomo Carrara's Reward
- Chapter 19: A Sign from Heaven
- Chapter 20: In the Duke's Absence
- Chapter 21: The Duke's Return
- Chapter 22: The Secret Passage
- Chapter 23: For Love of Ambrogio
- Chapter 24: Treachery
- Chapter 25: In Cloth of Gold
- Chapter 26: In Visconti's Hands
- Chapter 27: Unequal Odds
- Chapter 28: The Viper
- Chapter 29: The Ordeal of Mastino Della Scala
- Chapter 30: The Wedding
- Chapter 31: The Pride of the D'estes
- Chapter 32: The Price of Dishonour
- Chapter 33: The Storm
- Chapter 34: An Instrument of God
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