pISaracinescaI 1887 is a novel by Francis Marion Crawford. Originally serialized in IBlackwoods MagazineI ISaracinescaI became the first in a series of four novels. Followed by SantIlario 1889 IDon OrsinoI 1892 and ICorleoneI 1897 ISaracinescaI is an epic tale of history family and romance set in Rome during a time of immense cultural change. In the year 1865 Rome was still in a great measure its old self. It had not then acquired that modern air which is now beginning to pervade it. In this city of living history church and state vie for control of a people divided on the basis of class. Against this sociopolitical backdrop Don Giovanni Saracinesca proves an unusual character. Against the expectations of his friends and family he remains unmarried in his early thirties and refuses to adhere to aristocratic tradition. In reality he is deeply in love with a married woman the Duchessa Corona dAstrardente who married the Ducaa much older manwhen she was young. Although she feels strongly for Giovanni she knows that her station in life will not allow an affair. Despite this the two continue to meet risking both life and reputation for the sake of love. ISaracinescaI is the first in a series of novels set in Italy by Francis Marion Crawford a master of romance with a talent for detailed historical research. Although his reputation as a novelist has largely faded in recent years Crawford was a bestselling author in his time and received glowing reviews for many of his novels and stories. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript this edition of Francis Marion Crawfords ISaracinescaI is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.p