Overview

Greifenstein is a novel by F. Marion Crawford, first published in 1889. It is a tragic romance set in Germany, blending elements of love, honor, and family conflict. The story revolves around Hilda von Falkenrin, a young woman engaged to Ernestine Greifenstein, the heir to the aristocratic Greifenstein family. However, the family is burdened by dark secrets, including a history of suicide and disgrace. The central conflict arises when Hilda falls in love with Rex, a mysterious outsider who turns out to be a long-lost relative with a legitimate claim to the Greifenstein name. This revelation threatens the family's honor and leads to a dramatic and tragic resolution. Crawford was known for his vivid storytelling and atmospheric settings. Greifenstein reflects his ability to weave Gothic elements into romantic fiction. While not as famous as Mr. Isaacs or The Cigarette Maker's Romance, it remains a notable work in his extensive bibliography. The novel is an example of late 19th-century romantic tragedy, with a touch of German Romanticism. If you enjoy dramatic, character-driven stories with a dark edge, Greifenstein might appeal to you. About the Author Francis Marion Crawford (1854-1909) was a prolific American writer, best known for his numerous novels and classic weird and fantastical stories. Born in Italy, he spent much of his life abroad, particularly in Italy, which became the setting for many of his works. Crawford was born in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, the only son of American sculptor Thomas Crawford. He received a diverse education, studying at St. Paul's School, Cambridge University, the University of Heidelberg, and the University of Rome. In 1879, he traveled to India, where he studied Sanskrit and edited the Allahabad Indian Herald. Upon returning to America, he continued his Sanskrit studies at Harvard and contributed to various periodicals. His literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, Mr. Isaacs (1882), which quickly achieved success. This was followed by Doctor Claudius (1883). In 1883, he returned to Italy, where he resided permanently, eventually purchasing and remodeling the Villa Renzi, which became Villa Crawford, in Sant'Agnello. He also wrote historical works, including Ave Roma Immortalis (1898) and The Rulers of the South (1900). Crawford was incredibly prolific, producing some forty novels and a play. At the height of his career, his books outsold those of any other contemporary fiction writer in England or the United States. He died in 1909 in Sorrento, Italy.

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