F. Marion Crawford 
Cecilia 
A Story of Modern Rome

I highly recommend ‘Cecilia’ to readers who appreciate historical fiction, romance, and well-developed characters. F. Marion Crawford’s masterful storytelling and keen insights into human nature make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of love and duty. ‘Cecilia’ offers a glimpse into a bygone era and provides a rich tapestry of emotions and relationships that will linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned.

A propos de l’auteur

Francis Marion Crawford (1854–1909) was an American writer noted for his many novels, especially those set in Italy, and his classic tales of the supernatural. Born to a distinguished family of artists and scholars, Crawford spent a significant part of his life abroad, a cosmopolitan upbringing that informed the vivid details of foreign lands in his writing. ‘Cecilia: A Story of Modern Rome’ echoes his expertise in blending the romance of Italy with the intricacies of human emotion and societal intricacies. Crawford possessed a knack for crafting suspenseful plots and a distinctively florid literary style that was popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His prolific output includes historical novels, such as ‘Saracinesca’ and ‘Sant’ Ilario, ‘ which, alongside ‘Cecilia, ‘ illustrate his fascination with Italian culture and history. Crawford’s narrative style often delves into psychological depth, with a particular focus on the consequences of passion and the machinations of fate. While his supernatural tales, like ‘The Upper Berth, ‘ have overshadowed some of his other work, his novels continue to be appreciated for their rich descriptions, historical authenticity, and their exploration of the human spirit. Crawford’s literary contributions remain a testament to his understanding of the manifold aspects of human nature and the societies in which it manifests.