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St. Leon is the story of a French aristocrat, Count Reginald de St. Leon, who loses his fortune gambling and experiences guilt that almost drives him crazy. Count Reginald narrates his life story, starting with his father's death when he was an infant. He was brought up by his mother, a woman full of the prejudices of aristocracy and magnificence. Reginald had great regard for aristocratic honor. After being inspired by his uncle, the Marquis de Villeroy, he joined the Italian war of 1521–1526, hoping to gain military fame in the battle of Pavia. When he returned home from service, he found out that his mother was dead, and the twenty-year-old was forced to take control of his own affairs. The novel explores the themes of immortality, love and friendship, integrity, and religion. Godwin combines elements of domestic, philosophical, and fantasy novels into a historical fiction of extensive range. There are exciting gothic elements in the story.
Reproduction of the original: St. Leon by William Godwin
Set in Europe during the Protestant Reformation and first published in 1799, St. Leon tells the story of an impoverished aristocrat who obtains the philosopher's stone and the elixir of immortality. In this philosophical fable, endless riches and immortal life prove to be curses rather than gifts and transform St. Leon into an outcast. William Godwin's second full-length novel explores the predicament of a would-be philanthropist whose attempts to benefit humanity are frustrated by superstition and ignorance. This Broadview edition includes a critical introduction and full annotation. The appendices include contemporary reviews of the novel; Godwin’s writings on immortality, the domestic affections, and alchemy; and selections from works influenced by St. Leon, most notably Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.