1360, Lombardy, Italy. The tyrant Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan ruthlessly employs treachery and murder to maintain his power in a court steeped in intrigue. As his armies overrun Northern Italy, it seems that nothing and no one can stem the tide of his conquests... With the possible exception of one man: the dispossessed Duke of Verona, Mastino della Scala. Whilst the Duke of Milan displays unbelievable cruelty and black-heartedness, he also has a genius for evil, patience and beauty. Battling him, the Duke of Verona struggles to contain his anger. But will Verona tarnish his morality and turn from honesty in the fight for power? The Viper of Milan takes us to the colourful and violent world of fourteenth-century Italy where success seems to be doomed and the pendulum of power can swing both ways. In his introductory note, Graham Greene explains how Bowen illustrates there are no absolute villains or heroes in life, only flawed human beings. Praise for Marjorie Bowen: “A book remarkable alike for its vividness and for its historical perspective” - The Daily Express “… one of the most novel features of Miss Bowen’s book is the care she takes to see the point of view of Mary’s lovers. She makes a plausible case for Bothwell and even joins the very select band of those who have something good to say for Darnley” - The Times Literary Supplement “Fresh, vivid, exciting and enthralling … This is a fine book” - The Sphere “A book in every way worthwhile … as an individual contribution to the subject, Miss Bowen’s work is of the exceptional class” - The Scotsman Marjorie Bowen was born in 1885 and is one of many pseudonyms the writer Margaret Gabrielle Vere Campbell Long used. She was one of Britain’s most prolific authors of the twentieth century. Writing was more than just a hobby: her works were the primary source of financial support for her family. Between 1906 and her death in 1952, Bowen wrote over 150 books, garnering much acclaim for her popular histories and historical and Gothic romances. Alongside masterful descriptions and concise, efficient prose, she deftly rendered larger-than-life subjects in the minds of her readers. To this day, aficionados of the genres covet Bowen’s work. Her other titles include The Sword Decided, Mary Queen of Scots, The Queen’s Caprice, The Governor of England, Mistress Nell Gwynn and Dickon. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
Author
Marjorie Bowen (pseudonym of Mrs Gabrielle Margaret V[ere] Long née Campbell), was a British author who wrote historical romances, supernatural horror stories, popular history and biography. Her total output numbers over 150 volumes with the bulk of her work under the 'Bowen' pseudonym. She also wrote under the names Joseph Shearing, George R. Preedy, John Winch, Robert Paye, and Margaret Campbell. As Joseph Shearing, she wrote several sinister gothic romances full of terror and mystery. Many of these stories were published as Berkley Medallion Books. Several of her books were adapted as films. Her books are much sought after by aficionados of gothic horror and received praise from critics. Bowen's alcoholic father left the family at an early age and was eventually found dead on a London street. After this, Bowen's prolific writings were the chief financial support for her family. She was married twice: first, from 1912-16, to a Sicilian named Zefferino Emilio Constanza, who died of tuberculosis, and then to one Arthur L. Long. Her first novel was The Viper of Milan (1906), after which she produced a steady stream of writings until the day of her death on 23rd December 1952. Her last, posthumous, novel was The Man with the Scales (1954).
