Release date is 2024-03-18

Barbara Magni and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense - Milano)

"Il palazzo del diavolo, vol. 1/2: Leggenda mantovana" by Ulisse Barbieri is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in Mantua during the early 16th century and revolves around the mysterious and chilling tales surrounding the titular Palace of the Devil, a location steeped in superstition and dark legends, particularly associated with its inhabitants, including the alchemist Paride Ceresara and his enigmatic heir, Marco." "The opening of the novel introduces us to Mantua and establishes a gothic atmosphere as it hints at the dark legacy of the Palazzo del Diavolo. The narrative begins with a whimsical yet mysterious tone, as the author discusses the merits of legends in storytelling. We are introduced to characters such as the old alchemist Marco and the townsfolk who fear the supernatural occurrences that transpire within the palace. The tale unfolds against a backdrop of impending doom, with stormy weather mirroring the tumultuous events brewing within the characters' lives, setting the stage for intrigue and conflict that directly ties to the legacy of the maleficent palace." (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Milano: Battezzati, 1868