Sant' Ilario

Sant' Ilario is a historical novel by F. Marion Crawford, first published in 1889. It is the second book in Crawford's "Saracinesca" trilogy, following Saracinesca (1887) and preceding Don Orsino (1892). The novel is set in 19th-century Rome and continues the story of the aristocratic Saracinesca family, blending romance, drama, and political intrigue.

The novel focuses on Giovanni Saracinesca, now Prince of Sant' Ilario after his father's retirement, and his wife, Corona d'Astrardente. Their marriage faces numerous challenges, including jealousy, betrayal, and external threats.

A key subplot involves Anastase Gouache, a French artist and former Zouave soldier, who falls in love with Faustina Montevarchi, the daughter of a rival family. Their romance is complicated by class differences and political unrest in Rome.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of Italian unification (Risorgimento) and the declining power of the Papal States, adding historical depth to the personal conflicts of the characters.

Crawford was praised for his rich historical detail and engaging storytelling. While not as widely read today, Sant' Ilario remains a notable work of 19th-century historical fiction, particularly for fans of Anthony Trollope or Henry James.

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.