THE GADFLY by Voynich, Ethel Lilian - 1897

New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1897. First edition. A novel by an Irish writer set in 1840s Italy under the dominance of Austria, a time of tumultuous revolt and uprisings. The story centres on the life of the protagonist, Arthur Burton, as a member of the Youth movement, and his antagonist, Padre Montanelli. A thread of a tragic relationship between Arthur and his love Gemma simultaneously runs through the story. It is a story of faith, disillusionment, revolution, romance, and heroism. (Wikipedia). Bumping to corners and rear top edge, rubbing to edges, slight discoloration on rear, slightly cocked, minor wear to textblock edges, light age toning to paste downs and free end papers, otherwise, binding strong, crisp and bright gilded letters on spine.