A fairly quick read.....Maugham's second novel, one he himself was never fond of later in his career. A relatively simple swashbuckling Italian drama adventure.....one full of lots of wanton death and destruction, revealing this to be an apparent normal state of affairs for this late 1400's Italian time period of conquest, swordplay and defending honor. It was apparently based on an actual event, and it highlights that no matter how unpleasant our world can sometimes seem today, we've come a long way!! Some sappier romantic distractions occur and the overwhelming lighthearted tone of this somewhat violent story felt a little disjointed for me now and then. Overall, no complaints. ( )