-57%

Valperga Volume 3 (of 3) / or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca: or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca (Cra — Gothic

Valperga Volume 3 (of 3) / or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca: or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca (Cra — photo 1

📖 Have you read this book?

Your review can inspire others to read it

🏚️ Gothic −57%

Valperga Volume 3 (of 3) / or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca: or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca (Cra

Name: Valperga Volume 3 (of 3) / or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca: or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca (Cra
Price: 18.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781026142769

✍️ Mary Shelley

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$18.95 ~~$45.00~~ Save $26.05 (57%)

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Mary Shelley's historical novel about Castruccio Castracani in 14th-century Italy.

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley writes about Castruccio Castracani, a prince of Lucca, in this third volume. The text combines the original narrative with educational aids for deeper understanding. It examines political intrigue and personal ambition during the Renaissance period. The story highlights how individual choices affect the destiny of a city. This edition is designed for readers who want to study historical fiction closely. It does not suit those looking for fast-paced action or contemporary settings.

Key Themes

political intrigue Renaissance Italy power and ambition

Literary Context

This work sits in the tradition of 14th-century Italian history, focusing on the life of Castruccio Castracani. It draws on historical events to explore themes of power and love during the Renaissance period.

Mary Shelley

📚 all books by this author (292) →

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Brontë sisters · Ann Radcliffe · Thomas Hardy

🏚️

Gothic

🏛 Xpresspress 📅 2026 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781026142769

📝 Description: Valperga Volume 3 (of 3) / or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca: or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca (Cra

This volume presents the final section of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s narrative focusing on Castruccio Castracani, a notable figure in Lucca. The text pairs the original story with study materials to help readers engage deeply with the content. Shelley brings her literary background to this historical fiction, exploring political intrigue and personal ambition within the turbulent landscape of Renaissance Italy. The print edition offers a structured look at how individual lives intersect with broader historical events. The book suits those interested in Italian history and classic literary fiction. It provides a clear view of power dynamics and love against a specific historical backdrop. Readers seeking modern thrillers or non-historical genres may find the pacing slow. This work is best for audiences who appreciate detailed character studies set within real historical frameworks.

💎 Our verdict on Valperga Volume 3 (of 3) / or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca: or, The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca (Cra

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Shelley’s final volume offers a structured look at Castruccio Castracani’s life, blending original narrative with study materials for deeper understanding. While the literary background provides rich insight into Renaissance political intrigue, the pacing is deliberately slow and academic. This book does not suit readers looking for fast-paced action, contemporary settings, or modern thrillers. It is best for audiences who appreciate detailed character studies within real historical frameworks. The text demands patience but rewards those interested in Italian history and classic literary fiction with a clear view of power dynamics.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This volume serves readers who appreciate deep engagement with historical fiction and the nuances of classic literature. It is ideal for those interested in Italian history, political intrigue, and character studies set against real historical frameworks. The inclusion of educational aids makes it particularly valuable for students or scholars wishing to analyze Shelley’s narrative techniques and the intersection of personal ambition with broader historical events. Those who enjoy slow-paced, detailed examinations of power dynamics and love within a specific historical backdrop will find this text rewarding. However, it is not suitable for readers seeking fast-paced action, contemporary settings, or modern thrillers.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

Seek out this volume if you crave dense, atmospheric tales of Renaissance political maneuvering and psychological depth. However, if you prefer fast-paced modern thrillers or light, escapist romance, this slow-burn character study will likely feel tedious and unengaging.

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

❓ Frequently asked questions

Yes, this is the third and final installment in the Valperga trilogy. While it concludes Castruccio’s arc, reading the previous volumes provides essential context for his relationships and political rise.

No prior expertise is required. The text weaves historical details naturally into the narrative, allowing you to learn about Lucca’s turbulent era through the immersive experience of the characters’ lives.

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

Mary Shelley’s work defies easy categorization, bridging her famous Gothic heritage with rigorous historical fiction. Set against the volatile backdrop of fourteenth-century Lucca, it explores how personal ambition collides with political destiny. This narrative continues her exploration of complex morality, positioning Castruccio not just as a historical figure but as a psychological case study within the broader tradition of literary realism and tragic heroism.