Cecilia: A Story of Modern Rome

Cecilia: A Story of Modern Rome is a novel by F. Marion Crawford, first published in 1902. Crawford, an American writer who spent much of his life in Italy, was known for his vivid depictions of Italian society, history, and culture. Cecilia is one of his later works and reflects his deep familiarity with Rome and its social dynamics.

The novel follows the life of Cecilia Palladio, a young, beautiful, and musically gifted woman living in Rome. She is the ward of Donna Teresa Crescenzi, a wealthy and influential Roman aristocrat. Cecilia's exceptional singing voice makes her a sought-after figure in Rome's high society, where music and art play a central role in social life.

As Cecilia navigates the complexities of Roman society, she attracts the attention of multiple suitors, including Guido d'Este, a charming but morally ambiguous nobleman, and Lamberti, a more reserved and honorable figure. The story explores themes of love, ambition, social expectations, and the clash between personal desire and duty.

Cecilia was well-received for its evocative setting and engaging storytelling. Critics praised Crawford's ability to capture the atmosphere of Rome and the psychological realism of his characters.

About the Author

Francis Marion Crawford (1854-1909) was a prolific American writer, best known for his numerous novels and classic weird and fantastical stories. Born in Italy, he spent much of his life abroad, particularly in Italy, which became the setting for many of his works.

Crawford was born in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, the only son of American sculptor Thomas Crawford. He received a diverse education, studying at St. Paul's School, Cambridge University, the University of Heidelberg, and the University of Rome. In 1879, he traveled to India, where he studied Sanskrit and edited the Allahabad Indian Herald. Upon returning to America, he continued his Sanskrit studies at Harvard and contributed to various periodicals.

His literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, Mr. Isaacs (1882), which quickly achieved success. This was followed by Doctor Claudius (1883). In 1883, he returned to Italy, where he resided permanently, eventually purchasing and remodeling the Villa Renzi, which became Villa Crawford, in Sant'Agnello. He also wrote historical works, including Ave Roma Immortalis (1898) and The Rulers of the South (1900).

Crawford was incredibly prolific, producing some forty novels and a play. At the height of his career, his books outsold those of any other contemporary fiction writer in England or the United States. He died in 1909 in Sorrento, Italy.