The Lion of Saint Mark: a Story of Venice in the Fourteenth Century

When young Englishman Messer Francisco Hammond ventures across Europe to Venice, little can he imagine the adventure that awaits. The son of a London merchant, Francisco embarks on a career as a merchant working for the powerful Venetian businessman Signor Polani. Along with his friend Matteo, Francisco encounters the Genoese, Venice's mortal enemy, and Moorish pirates during their travels. In addition, the two must thwart the plans of the villainous Ruggiero Mocenigo, a nobleman who harbors evil intentions towards Matteo's cousins Maria and Giulia. When the Genoese bring war to the Venetian lagoons, Francisco must decide between leaving or fighting. Will Francisco survive the perils of merchant life on the Mediterranean? Will he and Matteo stop Ruggiero? Will Venice survive its war with Genoa? These and other questions will be answered in The Lion of Saint Mark: A Story of Venice in the Fourteenth Century by G. A. Henty. Set in late-fourteenth century Italy, Turkey and the Mediterranean, this book includes more than sixty geographical, historical, and explanatory footnotes to aid the modern reader.