Sant' Ilario by F. Marion Crawford is a rich historical fiction set in 19th-century Italy, exploring themes of romance and nobility within the context of Italian aristocracy. The novel centers on Sant' Ilario, a character whose personal conflict and romantic entanglements unfold against a backdrop of social class and political intrigue. Crawford delves into the complexities of Italian social expectations and family dynamics, offering a dramatic portrayal of life among the Italian elite. The story weaves a love story with elements of romantic tragedy, highlighting the impact of cultural heritage and social norms on individual choices and relationships. Through its exploration of historical period details and social commentary, Sant' Ilario provides a compelling narrative that reflects the challenges and conflicts faced by characters navigating the intricate world of 19th-century Italian society. The novel’s blend of romance and historical drama makes it a captivating read for those interested in Italian history and aristocratic life.
Francis Marion Crawford was an American author who lived from August 2, 1854, to April 9, 1909. He was famous for his many books, especially those set in Italy, and his classic weird and fantastical stories. He was born on August 2, 1854, in Bagni di Lucca, which is in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. He was the only child of American artist Thomas Crawford and his wife, Louisa Cutler Ward. His sister was the author Mary Crawford Fraser, also known as Mrs. Hugh Fraser, and his nephew was the American artist Julia Ward Howe. After his dad died in 1857, his mom got married again to Luther Terry. They had a daughter together, Margaret Ward Terry, who later married Winthrop Astor Chanler and was Crawford's half-sister. He went to school at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, Cambridge University, the University of Heidelberg, and finally the University of Rome. He went to India in 1879 to study Sanskrit and was the editor of The Indian Herald in Allahabad. When he got back to the United States in February 1881, he continued to study Sanskrit at Harvard University for another year. During that time, he also wrote for a number of magazines, mostly The Critic, for two years. Early in 1882, he became close friends with Isabella Stewart Gardner, a friend he would keep for life.
