The Gadfly. by Voynich, E.L - 1973

1973. London, Heinemann, 1973. 14 cm x 22 cm. 256 pages. Hardcover in protective Mylar, dustjacket missing. Excellent condition with only very minor signs of external wear. The Gadfly is a novel by Ethel Lilian Voynich, set in 1840s Italy under the dominance of Austria, a time of tumultuous revolt and uprisings. The story centers on the life of the protagonist, Arthur Burton, as a member of the Youth movement, and his antagonist, Padre Montanelli. A thread of a tragic relationship between Arthur and his love Gemma simultaneously runs through the story. It is a story of faith, disillusionment, revolution, romance, and heroism. (Amazon) Ethel Lilian Voynich, née Boole (11 May 1864 – 27 July 1960), was an Irish novelist and musician, and a supporter of several revolutionary causes. She was born in Cork, but grew up in England. Voynich was a significant figure, not only on the late Victorian literary scene, but also in Russian émigré circles. She is best known for her novel The Gadfly, which became hugely popular in her lifetime, especially in Russia. (Wikipedia)