Zastrozzi

"Zastrozzi" is a a dramatic tale of romance and revenge written by Percy Bysshe Shelley where he adroitly exploits the classic elements of popular Gothic horror. This short and intensely emotional novel -first published when Shelley was only eighteen in 1810— combines adolescent vigour and literary panache with occasional sparks of true poetic genius.Shelley's vivid love story dramatises the misplaced passion between Matilda, Contessa di Laurentinini, Verezzi, the object of her crazed desire, and Matilda's murderous accomplice, the mysterious Zastrozzi. When Matilda discovers that her love is unrequited, she traps Verezzi in her castle and orders Zastrozzi to kill Julia — the woman Verezzi loves. But Zastrozzi has his own agenda...

From the Publisher

Hesperus Press, as suggested by their Latin motto, Et remotissima prope, is dedicated to bringing near what is far—far both in space and time. Works by illustrious authors, often unjustly neglected or simply little known in the English–speaking world, are made accessible through a completely fresh editorial approach or new translations. Through these short classic works, which feature forewords by leading contemporary authors, the modern reader will be introduced to the greatest writers of Europe and America. An elegantly designed series of exceptional books.

From the Inside Flap

…any purpose undertaken with ardour, and prosecuted with perseverance, must eventually be crowned with success. Love is worthy of any risk – I felt it once, but revenge has now swallowed up every other feeling of my soul. I am alive to nothing but revenge.

From the Back Cover

After she is rejected by Verezzi, the man she loves, Matilda plots vicious revenge against him and his fiancé. Zastrozzi is among the earliest works of the esteemed writer Percy Bysshe Shelley. First published in 1810, Zastrozzi is a dramatic gothic horror tale of romance and revenge, featuring masterful prose and themes of self-indulgence, revenge, and violent desire.

About the Author

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was one of the major English authors active during the Romantic period, and is regarded as one of the greatest philosophical poets in the English language. Shelley formed a close-knit friendship with many other famous writers of his time, including his wife, Mary Shelley, John Keats, and Lord Byron. Radical in both his writing and political views, Shelley was often bullied, as he refused to conform to tradition. Though he did not obtain much fame during his lifetime, Shelley’s legacy of masterful writing inspired generations of prominent authors, and has earned him acclaim as one of the greatest Romantic poets of the era.

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