Selvaggia de' Vergiolesi

In the early fifteenth century, the Tuscan town of Pistoia finds itself on the brink of war. Florentine and Lucchese forces close in, laying siege to the city’s ancient walls while the locals cling to their fragile independence. Amid the clatter of arms, daily life pulses through markets, chapels, and winding streets, each corner echoing with the era’s restless ambition. The narrative captures this turbulent backdrop with a blend of historical detail and vivid, lyrical description.

At the heart of the story are Cino da Pistoia, a celebrated poet and confidant of Dante, and Selvaggia, a lively woman whose spirit mirrors the rugged landscape. Their budding love unfolds in whispered verses and secret meetings, offering a tender counterpoint to the looming conflict. As loyalties are tested and rumors of betrayal swirl, the pair must navigate a world where personal desire and civic duty are in constant tension.

The prose balances scholarly insight with approachable storytelling, inviting listeners to picture sun‑drenched Tuscan hills and hear the echo of medieval poetry. It is a compelling portrait of love, honor, and the resilience of a community under siege.