Mature
Length11h 32m
About this audiobook
This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design. "The Viper of Milan," written by Marjorie Bowen, is a historical romance set against the backdrop of early Renaissance Italy, a period marked by political intrigue and passionate conflicts. Bowen's narrative deftly explores themes of crime, guilt, and the influence of noble heritage on personal ambitions, offering a vivid portrayal of a morally complex era. Her storytelling prowess is highlighted in the publisher's preface, which praises her ability to capture the spirit of the Renaissance without resorting to exhaustive historical detail. Instead, Bowen relies on dynamic dialogue and action to drive the plot, bringing to life Italy's tumultuous political landscape and the intense human desires that shape it.
The novel unfolds through a series of interconnected chapters, following characters such as Gian Galeazzo Maria Visconti and the d'Este family. These chapters delve into love, treachery, and fierce power struggles, promising a rich tapestry of drama and intrigue. The narrative captivates readers with unexpected twists and emotional trials, reflecting the perilous balance between honor and betrayal in Renaissance Milan.
Key scenes include young Vittore's encounter with Francisco, a towering figure with a vendetta against the tyrant Visconti, and the tense chess match between Count Conrad and Vincenzo, underscoring themes of loyalty and power dynamics. The intricate dance of deception and ambition is further illustrated as Visconti and Carrara, amidst their scheming, engage in witty yet threatening exchanges that highlight their precarious friendship. The story crescendos with a dramatic twist as alliances are tested and true intentions are revealed, capturing the essence of survival in a war-torn land where loyalty and betrayal are constants.
Audiobook details
GenreRomance, Literary Classics
Length11 hrs 32 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateFeb 1, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1PUBLISHERS' PREFACE
19CHAPTER EIGHTEEN GIACOMO CARRARA'S REWARD
2CHAPTER ONE GIAN GALEAZZO MARIA VISCONTI
20CHAPTER NINETEEN A SIGN FROM HEAVEN
3CHAPTER TWO "FRANCISCO"
21CHAPTER TWENTY IN THE DUKE'S ABSENCE
4CHAPTER THREE THE HOSTAGE OF THE ESTES
22CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE THE DUKE'S RETURN
5CHAPTER FOUR VALENTINE
23CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO THE SECRET PASSAGE
Show all chaptersShow less
6CHAPTER FIVE THE PAINTER'S DAUGHTER
24CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE FOR LOVE OF AMBROGIO
7CHAPTER SIX THE RESCUE OF COUNT VON SCHULEMBOURG
25CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR TREACHERY
8CHAPTER SEVEN "GRAZIOSA'S BRACELET"
26CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE IN CLOTH OF GOLD
9CHAPTER EIGHT FOR A LADY'S GIFT
27CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX IN VISCONTI'S HANDS
10CHAPTER NINE THE RETURN OF THE DEAD
28CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN UNEQUAL ODDS
11CHAPTER TEN THE TURQUOISE GLOVES
29CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT THE VIPER
12CHAPTER ELEVEN MASTINO DELLA SCALA
30CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE THE ORDEAL OF MASTINO DELLA SCALA
13CHAPTER TWELVE GRAZIOSA'S LOVER
31CHAPTER THIRTY THE WEDDING
14CHAPTER THIRTEEN VALENTINE VISCONTI'S TOAST
32CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE THE PRIDE OF THE D'ESTES
15CHAPTER FOURTEEN THE TUMULT AT THE WESTERN GATE
33CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO THE PRICE OF DISHONOR
16CHAPTER FIFTEEN A PRISONER FROM MILAN
34CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE THE STORM
17CHAPTER SIXTEEN FOR A GAME OF CHESS
35CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD
18CHAPTER SEVENTEEN THE TERRORS OF THE NIGHT
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