Name: The Italian
Author: Ann Radcliffe
ISBN: 9780199537402

The Italian

Ann Radcliffe

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Author Description

First published in 1797, The Italian is one of the finest examples of Gothic romance. The fast-paced, narrative centres on Ann Radcliffe's most brilliant creation, the sinister monk Schedoni, whose past is shrouded in mystery.From the novel's opening chapters the reader is ushered into a shadowy world in which crime and religion are mingled. In the church of Santa Maria del Pianto in Naples, Ellena Rosalba and Vincentio di Vivaldi first meet; but their love is ill-omened. Leagued against them are the proud and ambitious Marchese di Vivaldi and her confessor Father Schedoni. When Ellena vanishes on the death of her guardian, Vivaldi sets out in pursuit of her across the mountainous regions of southern Italy before himself falling prey to the Holy Inquisition.This revised and expanded edition explores the novel in the context of British attitudes to Italy and Roman Catholicism in the late eighteenth century with close attention to the novel's style and form.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Menrva's Summary

THE PULSE

The forbidden romance between Vincentio di Vivaldi and Ellena Rosalba triggers a lethal conspiracy orchestrated by the malevolent monk Schedoni. Driven by class prejudice and religious zeal, the Marchese di Vivaldi and her confessor, Schedoni, conspire to dismantle the union through abduction and ecclesiastical manipulation. The narrative follows Vivaldi as he traverses the rugged landscapes of southern Italy to rescue his beloved, eventually confronting the terrifying reach of the Holy Inquisition. Radcliffe employs a suspenseful, atmospheric framework that emphasizes the psychological tension between the protagonists and their shadowy antagonists.

INSIDE THE PAGES

Atmospheric descriptions of Italian landscapes and architecture
The archetype of the sinister, enigmatic monk
Exploration of the intersection between religious authority and criminal intent
Use of suspense and the supernatural to heighten emotional stakes
Themes of class conflict and forbidden love
The presence of the Holy Inquisition as a looming, institutional threat
Detailed characterization of the villainous Schedoni
A narrative structure that balances romantic pursuit with gothic dread

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

Readers and critics frequently identify this work as a foundational text in the development of the Gothic genre. Discussion often centers on Radcliffe's mastery of suspense and her ability to maintain a sense of dread without relying solely on overt supernatural elements. Scholars highlight the novel's critique of religious institutions and its reflection of eighteenth-century British perceptions of Italy. Many readers appreciate the intricate plotting and the psychological depth of the antagonist, which distinguishes the work from its contemporaries. The balance between the romantic narrative and the darker, institutional threats remains a primary focus for those analyzing the text's enduring influence.

Page Count:
423

Publication Date:
2008-01-01

Publisher:
Oxford University Press

ISBN-10:
0199537402

ISBN-13:
9780199537402

Romance

Mystery

Historical

Gothic

classic