Valperga is a historical novel by Mary Shelley, first published in 1823. It is set in the late 14th century in the Italian city-states of Florence and Pisa. The story follows the fortunes of Castruccio Castracani, a young man of humble origins who rises to become the ruler of Lucca. Castruccio is a brilliant military strategist and a passionate lover of freedom, but his ambition and pride lead him to make enemies of the powerful Medici family of Florence. The novel follows Castruccio's struggles to maintain his independence and his love for the beautiful Euthanasia, a woman of noble birth. As his enemies close in, Castruccio must choose between his love for Euthanasia and his loyalty to his people. Valperga is a sweeping tale of love, ambition, and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of medieval Italy. It is a classic of Romantic literature and a powerful exploration of the human capacity for both greatness and destruction.
By Mary Shelley · First published 1851 · Genre: Romantic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy · 39 chapters